Twitter Reactions: Kohli, Rahul ensure safe landing after India's turbulent take off vs Australia

India began their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign on a winning note as they beat Australia by six wickets on Sunday, October 08 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. After opting to bat first, Australia were bundled out for 199 in 49.3 overs as Ravindra Jadeja picked 3/28 in ten overs. In reply, India chased down the target in 41.2 overs with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul getting involved in a massive stand.

Chasing 200, India got off to the worst possible start as they were left reeling at 2/3 with Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer getting dismissed for ducks. Seeing their team in disarray, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul got involved in a massive 165-run stand off 212 balls to take their team to safety.

Also Check: Virat Kohli becomes superman at first slip to dismiss Mitchell Marsh

Kohli failed to score his 48^th ODI hundred as he got dismissed on 85 (116) hitting six fours in his innings. He hit one straight to Marnus Labuschagne at short mid-wicket. Following his dismissal, KL Rahul took his team home with a splendid innings of 97* (115) smashing eight fours and two sixes.

Ravindra Jadeja's 3-fer kept Australia at bay

Earlier in the day, Australia didn’t get off to a good start as Jasprit Bumrah gave the first blow to Australia by dismissing Mitchell Marsh in the third over of the innings. After the early blow, Steve Smith walked in at number three and got involved in a 69-run partnership with David Warner (41 off 52). Kuldeep Yadav broke the dangerous stand for India as he caught him off his own bowling.

Also Check: Ravindra Jadeja bowls exceptional delivery to send Steve Smith packing

After the partnership ended, Ravindra Jadeja came on to bowl and dismissed Smith (46 off 71), Marnus Labuschagne (27 off 41) and Alex Carey to leave Australia reeling on 119/4 after 29.2 overs. They were finally bundled out for 199 with Jasprit Bumrah (2/35) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/42) also picking two wickets each.

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on India’s sensational win.

Here are some of the posts:

The older generation always spoke of GRV sir s 97 n.o, this generation will now speak of KL Rahul s 97 not out today at Chepauk. Quality from the King as well, great composure from 2/3. Good confidence boosting win for India. #INDvAUS

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) October 8, 2023

Absolute class from the Indian bowlers, Virat and KL!👌🏾#INDvAUS

— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) October 8, 2023

A, necessary, steely and character filled display from #ViratKohli and #KLRahul #CWC2023

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) October 8, 2023

Jahan Matter Bade hote hain,
Wahan King Kohli Khade hote hain.
Class innings. #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/iO1pUN3rsJ

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 8, 2023

Wishing #TeamIndia for the fantastic win against Australia! First, our spinners spun the web and then the superb partnership of Virat and Rahul sealed the deal. Congratulations to the team! 🏏 #INDvAUS #CWC23

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 8, 2023

India 🇮🇳 started the World Cup campaign with a bang. Team is looking solid. Kohli never disappoints the team when he is really needed. Today was no different. And Kl Rahul is playing with great Klass. jaddu baapu tu to kamal che 👏 #IndVsAus

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 8, 2023

Spinners led by Jadeja put India in a winning position. Rahul & Virat ensured that there were no hiccups on the way. What a game for India! 👏👏👏#ICCCricketWorldCup #INDvAUS

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 8, 2023

Pressure doesn't get bigger than when you're 2/3 in a WC game vs a charged up Aus. Then to soak the pressure, wrestle the initiative back, and win the game takes something special. This was a partnership for the ages 🙌🏽 Well played 👏🏽 #INDvAUS #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/QDJ5uuR1TL

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 8, 2023

A splendid victory for India in the World Cup opener! 🥳
Bowlers on fire, and a Kohli-Rahul duo that showed pure class. 🏏
Our batting start did give a mini heart attack but it's good that our middle order gets match time right from the start! ✌🏻
Well played! 🇮🇳#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/XaZ756FO00

— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 8, 2023

EMPHATIC WIN TO START THE CAMPAIGN!! 🇮🇳✊🏏🏏

Firstly it was an outstanding bowling performance by @imjadeja, @imkuldeep18, @Jaspritbumrah93
& @ashwinravi99, and then what a world-class batting display it was by @imVkohli & @klrahul in such pressure against the mighty Aussies!… pic.twitter.com/bczlxSzmND

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) October 8, 2023

Great innings under pressure to get the side back on track! Deserved to get to a 100 👊🏻 King Kohli at his best 👑 Good start to the World Cup campaign! @imVkohli

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 8, 2023

KL Rahul has looked so calm since his comeback. It’s a result of hard work in NCA during the injury phase where he worked really hard on his fitness n had time to reflect abt his game and mind. #highclassplayer

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 8, 2023