India vs Australia – Watch: Virat Kohli’s Reaction After Hardik Pandya Faces A Free-hit Delivery In 1st ODI
India fell into a tricky spot in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai on Friday, but a responsible 108*-run stand between KL Rahul (75*) and Ravindra Jadeja (45*) saw them chase down the 189-run target. 39.5 overs even at 39/4 at one point. Hardik Pandya led the Indian team in this match, while Rohit Sharma missed the match due to personal commitments. Pandya took the crucial wicket of Steve Smith and then made 25 off 31 balls after the Indian top-order stumbled. There was a point in his innings in the 18th over when he faced a pre-hit delivery from Marcus Stoinis.
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Pandya mishandled the pre-hit delivery, which was slow and resulted in a run. After the delivery, TV cameras showed Virat Kohli reacting in a very animated manner. I don’t know why Kohli got a bit angry
Meanwhile, following India’s five-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI, Pandya gave a big thumbs up to a nervous Rahul and Jadeja, saying they had a calming effect on those watching from the sidelines. Rahul, who was ruled out of the third and fourth Tests against Australia due to poor form, was instrumental in helping the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“I am very proud of the way we played today. Jattu (Ravindra Jadeja) came back from ODIs after 8 months and did what he had to do. I enjoyed my bowling and batting and wanted to finish it but the way KL (Rahul) and Jattu batted, which calmed the onlookers,” said Pandya, India’s stand-in captain for the tournament in Wankhede.
Rahul, who usually opens for India, has been brought in at number 5 following the Test defeat. But despite the chips down, he played patiently, consuming 96 balls for his 75 runs.
Pandya admitted that India were under pressure while bowling and batting, but ultimately the team’s composure saw it through.
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Mitchell Marsh’s 81 off 65 balls and a quick start by the visitors put India under some pressure, but Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja took timely wickets to bowl Australia out for 188 in 35.4 overs.
With PTI inputs
