Shanto laments poor batting performance in heavy defeat to India

The Tigers entered the match with high morale, following a historic series win over Pakistan, but failed to sustain pressure on India for long. After reducing India to 144-6 in the first innings, Bangladesh let the game slip away as Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja built a 199-run partnership that left Bangladesh struggling.

Reflecting on the loss, Shanto pointed to Bangladesh's first-innings batting collapse, where they were bowled out for just 149, as the turning point.

"We didn't bat well in the first innings. It was a crucial phase of the game. If we had managed one good top-order partnership, we could have been in a better position," Shanto said post-match.

Bangladesh's inability to bat deep was evident throughout the match. After India set a daunting 515-run target by declaring their second innings at 287-4, Bangladesh could only manage 234 in their final innings.

"We didn't bat well in the first innings. It was a very important phase of the game. We could have been in a better position if we had at least one big top-order partnership," Shanto said after the Test. 

"There will always be a challenge for the top order to do well, especially in the first innings. It is important to see how we are coping with it. We are working towards it but we are not getting the desired results," he said.

Despite the defeat, Shanto highlighted some positives, particularly the 62-run opening partnership, which he believes will provide some confidence heading into the second Test. He also credited his own performance after scoring 82, his first fifty-plus score in 11 innings.

"It’s important to spend time at the crease. The 62-run stand between the openers was something we can take forward to the next Test. Personally, I was happy to get runs, and I hope India will plan differently against us next time," Shanto remarked.

Bangladesh resumed Day 4 at 158-4, with Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan showing determination against a relentless spell from India's Mohammed Siraj. However, once Ashwin was reintroduced into the attack, the Bangladesh innings collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 29 runs.

"The morning session was tough, especially with Siraj bowling so well. Shakib and I tried to bat as long as possible, but once Ashwin came on, we struggled. We tried to contribute for the team. We tried to bat as long as we could. Today's morning session was one positive thing. We didn't bat well after that," Shanto said.

"I think it was quite challenging to bat today. They were bowling in the rough. I don't want to use it as an excuse. These are challenges we have to take," he added.

Despite the tough loss, Shanto remains hopeful for a better performance in the second Test, emphasizing the need to overcome the challenges of playing in difficult conditions.