India played its first men’s 2023 World Cup match against Australia in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, and man, it had its nail-biting moments. With cricket, you never know when the tables turn, and so, when India ousted all of the Aussie batsmen in the final over at 199 runs, we were confident the tides were in our favour until it was our turn to bat and the scores declared we had lost 3 players in 6 runs.
We desperately needed a good partnership to rescue the sinking boat, and in came Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who turned the fate, and India recorded an impressive victory against Australia.
Kohli, the unrivalled Chase Master, scored a critical 85 runs in 116 balls, and Rahul remained till the last moment, slamming 97 runs in 115 balls. Together, the pair scored a crucial 165 runs and rescued the match from 2-3. After excellent wicket-keeping and an unbeaten 97, Rahul became the player of the match.
)
Their partnership became the ultimate highlight of the match. Here’s how people reacted online:
The first match in this #WorldCup2023 has started with lot of tension.
— Innamuthan (@Innamuthan2223) October 8, 2023
But at the end we won this match comfortably..
Thanks to @imVkohli and @klrahul quality batting display..
Well played champs..
Bleed blue..indiaaaaa indiaaaaaa https://t.co/VonPtI5LVz
Mad respect for the keepers who does keeping for 50 overs and then bats to save his team.
— A N K I T (@Ankitaker) October 8, 2023
That's y I have always respected Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni a lot he used to be a captain as well …and they both did it for so many years https://t.co/aX3k6bGXiv
India have started the tournament in style. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were outstanding and despite 3 batsman failing winning so comfortably is ominous sign. Onwards and Upwards#INDvsAUS #CricketWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/J70CniCD0u
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 8, 2023
Ravindra Jadeja said – "When you are three down, there is panic. But Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have done it before, and they played brilliantly". pic.twitter.com/AQGhRJQlZq
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 8, 2023
Every KL Rahul needs a Virat Kohli in his life. pic.twitter.com/xndaJYYGWz
— Yashvi. (@BreatheKohli) October 8, 2023
165 Partnership between these two
— Omkar🏏🇮🇳 (@Omkar_Acharya12) October 8, 2023
Both handled the pressure excellently in the middle after India being 2-3
These knocks of 85 & 97* will be remembered for ages. World Cup Campaign starts with a win. Kudos to KL & King Kohli🇮🇳👑💙#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli #KLRahul https://t.co/KpFbOPeqeI
KL Rahul said, "Virat Kohli told me there's a big help in the wicket, and we just have to play proper shots and play like it's Test cricket for some time and see where it goes. It paid off thankfully". pic.twitter.com/jRb1XElGeJ
— GAUTAM 🇮🇳 (@indiantweetrian) October 9, 2023
Take a bow both of them, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Thank you for saving us from nightmares. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/5VOO5Etyh9
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 8, 2023
2 for 3 to 102 for 3 – What a recovery by India.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 8, 2023
– Thanks to Kohli & Rahul, under pressure against Australia in World Cup. pic.twitter.com/miIotLHw7q
Heroes of the match Virat Kohli and KL Rahul after the game. Take a bow, both. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/izCW7TQpZi
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 8, 2023
Kohli batting with KL Rahul gotta be my new favorite religion. 😍 pic.twitter.com/Z1fJpz6snh
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 8, 2023
We’re takin’ a bow!
India will be playing against Afghanistan in Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Wednesday.
Also Read: Indian Women Clinch First-Ever Gold In Cricket In Asian Games 2023 & We’re Beaming With Pride
