IND vs BAN 2024: TNCA fails to provide hassle-free experience to spectators

The first Test between India and Bangladesh got underway on Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The two-match series kick-started a much-awaited season of Test cricket for India as they are set to play a three Tests against New Zealand, starting next month. Fans are waiting with bated breath to watch their favourite cricketers in action from the stands. However, the Chennai crowd has not been having a hassle-free experience during the encounter against Bangladesh as they were made to wait in long queues outside the stadium to collect their physical tickets.

In a surprising turn of events, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) made only the season tickets available online. However, to collect physical tickets for individual days, fans have to make the trip to the stadium and wait in long queues, firstly, at the ticket counters and then, at the entry gates before they can eventually catch a glimpse of the action.

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The first couple of days of the Test match have not seen great crowds, which surprised many as Chennai is known to be a city which loves the longest format of the game. Also, hometown hero Ravichandran Ashwin slammed a belligerent century on Day 1 and remained unbeaten at Stumps. However, there weren't too many people in the stands to witness him continuing from his overnight score of 102* off 112 balls on Day 2.

Rohit Sharma disappoints in second innings as well

India finished their first innings at 376 after Ashwn top-scored with a 133-ball 113 and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with an 86 off 124 deliveries. In reply, Bangladesh were rolled over for 149 as Jasprit Bumrah starred with figures of 4/50 in 11 overs. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja chipped in with two wickets apiece.

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India bagged a lead of 227 in the first innings but they decided against enforcing the follow-on. Rohit Sharma, who departed for six in the first innings, could only score five in the second, much to the chagrin of the fans. The hosts, however, are in a comfortable position and would look to take a considerable second innings lead on a pitch that is still quite good for batting.