Getting the prized wicket of Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is a big deal for any bowler in the world, however, apparently, it’s not that special for Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam. Virat Kohli had a short stay in the middle as he was dismissed cheaply in the ongoing first Test match against Bangladesh off a stunning delivery by Taijul Islam.
The 30-year-old bowler was sensational with the ball as he struck twice in the eventful opening session in the ongoing first Test match between India and Bangladesh. He emerged as the most successful bowler for Bangladesh on Day 1 of the opening Test against India in Chattogram, as he not just managed to get the prized wicket of former Indian captain Virat Kohli, but also picked up the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill. On Day 2 he also dismissed Kuldeep Yadav to give a big breakthrough to his side.
Not Kohli, But Pujara’s Wicket Was Special For Taijul
After the end of Day 1, Taijul revealed that not Virat Kohli but it was the wicket of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara wicket that holds a special place in his heart. Yes, you read that right. Taijul dismissed Pujara when he was well set on 90 and deprived him of getting a well-deserved ton.
Speaking about the same in the presser, Taijul said: “I have picked up the wicket of Virat (Kohli) earlier in my career so doesn’t need to be the highlight of my career. I think the line and length was good and perhaps he missed on quite a few occasions but I felt that the ball (which removed Cheteshwar Pujara) turned quite sharply. He felt it will be straight but as it turned it hit the stump,”
Cheteshwar Pujara’s big was indeed a big one. India was in a spot of bother at 112/4 however a century partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Pujara revived the innings. Team India ended day 1 at 293/6. Pujara stitched a 149-run stand for the fifth wicket with Iyer to help India overcome the collapse in the first session when they lost 3 quick wickets. Pujara looked all set for his 19th Test hundred before getting dismissed by a ripper from Taijul Islam in the final session of the day.
Both Pujara and Iyer received a lifeline each during their solid partnership
Meanwhile, Bangladesh were unlucky during the Indian innings as they missed a few chances they couldn’t capitalize on such as Nurul Hasan dropping both Cheteshwar Pujara and Iyer on 12 and 30 respectively. Speaking about the same, Taijul said:
“I totally agree and you can say that (we could have bowled them out if we had taken those chances). If they had lost five to six wickets with 10 to 15 overs in our hand then it was possible to bowl them out,”
He added: “Considering everything I don’t think we are in a very bad position and in fact in a good position as this is only the first day of the Test match. If we had not made the mistakes we would have been in a better position.”
“In a lot of series, the wicket became good after each passing day. But here we are still not being able to predict as there is big turn and perhaps will take some time. If we can build partnership with a focus we can do well in the series.”
