In their World Cup opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India secured a remarkable six-wicket victory over Australia on Sunday. The win was hard-earned, thanks to the outstanding efforts of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Although they narrowly missed centuries, Kohli scored 85, while Rahul remained unbeaten at 97*. India faced a challenging situation early on, losing three quick wickets in their pursuit of 200, but Kohli and Rahul’s brilliant 165-run partnership turned the tide in India’s favor.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar commended Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure, emphasizing the value of runs scored in challenging situations. Gavaskar expressed surprise at Kohli missing out on a hundred, given his expertise in reaching three-digit scores. He also lauded India’s resilience, highlighting their ability to bounce back even when cornered.
Gavaskar praised the team’s all-round performance and emphasized the significance of Kohli’s experience. He also acknowledged Rahul’s exceptional innings, with an unbeaten 97, noting his flawless execution and the crucial role he played in stabilizing the innings. Gavaskar pointed out Kohli’s stroke of luck when he survived an easy catch, highlighting the positive impact of Kohli’s current form on India’s prospects in the tournament.
