“KL Rahul the hero for India in the chase!” – Twitter reacts after India beat Australia by 5 wickets to draw first blood in the ODI series

Team India have been imperious form across all three formats of the game of late. Rohit Sharma and Co recently won the Border Gavaskar Trophy series by 2-1 and also qualified for the WTC Final.

Meanwhile, the cricket fraternity is busy with the intriguing ODI series between India and Australia. Rohit Sharma skipped the first ODI owing to personal reasons. Hardik Pandya led the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first game.

The first of the three-match ODI series ended in favour of India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Indian bowlers chipped in with disciplinary performances with the ball by skittling out Australia for 188.

Mitchell Marsh was the only batsman who was technically sound for Australia as he top-scored with 81 off 65 balls including 10 boundaries and 5 sixes to his name at a strike rate of 124.62.

India beat Australia by 5 wickets in the first ODI

In response, India got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets for just 16 runs in 5 overs. The likes of Ishan Kishan (3), Virat Kohli (4) and Suryakumar Yadav (0) departed for cheap scores, leaving the team in a spot of bother.

Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill and mounted immense pressure on the hosts.

However, KL Rahul absorbed the pressure by taking the game away from the visitors. He played one of the best knocks of his ODI career by scoring his 13th fifty and proved once again why he is the best batsman at the No.5 slot.

KL Rahul was the pick of the batters for India in the run-chase as he chipped in with 75 off 91 balls including 7 fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja also complimented him very well with his 45 off 69 balls including 4 fours. The duo added a match-winning 108* and steered India past the finishing line.

Here’s how Twitter reacted after India took a 1-0 lead in the series

KL Rahul the hero for India in the chase!

— saistunz (@saistunz10) March 17, 2023

KL Rahul had to perform! pic.twitter.com/n9U2mJhE3i

— Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) March 17, 2023

When the lights are brightest
Pressure is highest
Crowds are the loudest
The best will arrive
The strongest will survive
The greatest will thrive. pic.twitter.com/mkSaJ1AMuU

— DhoniFanRoshan 🦁 (@ItsRoshan124) March 17, 2023

KL has stopped disappointing and how 💙

but World Cup scars ain’t healed yet 😭

— ꜱᴛᴀʀᴋ ❥ (@RaddaIncoming) March 17, 2023

KL Rahul 🔥🔥🔥🔥

— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) March 17, 2023

Absolutely class batting from KL and Jadeja

— Siddu Hosageri (@siddu_hosageri) March 17, 2023

Well played kl. ❤️ 🥳

— pyl 🇮🇳❤ (@payal_dasila) March 17, 2023

Bilateral kings🔥

— |vpg¹²| (@V_SHWAS_) March 17, 2023

Jadeja is the real hero took 2 wicket and score crucial runs

— saffronjivi (@mastjeevi) March 17, 2023

Thank god KL is back in form before ODI world cup ❤️

— Pennywise (@HellGodMatrix) March 17, 2023