The first Test between India and England looked like a one-sided contest until Rishabh Pant hit a spirited 91 and Sundar helped the team cross the 300-run mark. Even with that recovery, India failed to bring the lead down below 200, meaning they were still vulnerable to the follow-on. Yet, in a twist no one expected, England opted not to enforce it despite their 241-run cushion.
England entered their second innings with Ashwin leading the Indian bowling attack. In a stunning start, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Burns on the first ball of the innings; a defensive shot against a turning delivery flew straight to Ajinkya Rahane at first slip.
At the lunch break on Day 2, England's score stood at 1/1. Holding a 241-run lead, it seems the English side is wary of batting on the fifth day at Chepauk, fearing the pitch will become too erratic with excessive bounce and turn.
England's goal now is to extend their lead further and set India a target by late Day 4, hoping to take all ten wickets for a victory. To combat the turning pitch, Kohli opted to start the third innings with two spinners. The Indian captain's plan is to apply immediate pressure and trigger a collapse by taking early wickets.