India beat Australia by six wickets to begin their ICC World Cup campaign on a positive note. Though Indian bowling side restricted Australians to 199, Indian top order collapsed. Then Virat Kohli (85) and KL Rahul (97*) helped India to achieve the target with 8.4 overs remaining with their concentrated hard work. Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer – the trio failed to open their account and suddenly the total of 200 seemed a lot more daunting. But experienced Virat Kohli and calm KL Rahul helped the team to take their opening World Cup 2023 by a comfortable margin.
At the post match ceremony Man of the Match, KL Rahul revealed that, it was Virat Kohli whose advice guided the partnership towards the target. He said, “There were not a lot of conversations with Kohli. I had just taken a shower and was hoping to put my feet up for half an hour after the fielding innings, but I had to come in. Virat said that I should play like Test cricket for a bit. Happy to play this for the team. There was a bit of help for the fast bowlers early on. Towards the end, the dew played a bit of a part for them. The ball also skidded on better. It was still two-paced. It was not a great wicket to bat on, neither was it too difficult. I think it was a good cricket wicket, that is what you get in the South of India, especially in Chennai.” On his last shot for six, KL said, “I hit it too well. I wanted to get a hundred by going four and six. Hopefully, some other time I can get it.”
India lost Ishan Kishan, skipper Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer for ducks, leaving India at 2/3. Then a 165-run stand between Virat (85 in 116 balls with six fours) and KL Rahul (97* in 115 balls with eight fours and two sixes) helped India secure a six-wicket win. Though Virat Kohli got out before reaching the target, KL Rahul finished the match in style.