In a big game, when a lot is at stake, and against a powerful opponent like Australia, you put your money on Virat Kohli. It’s not just about numbers. When India get off to a bad start in a World Cup game, you don’t expect Kohli to bail you out of it, you know he will. And this is what the former India captain offered on Sunday. When India were 2 for 3 and all three batsmen were out for ducks, Kohli along with KL Rahul produced another masterclass of chasing against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and the hosts Gave a great start to the tournament.
He scored 85 runs off 116 balls, breaking several records, including some of his idol Sachin Tendulkar, while making a 165-run partnership with Rahul, the highest partnership for India against Australia in an ODI . The brilliant stand helped India reach the target of 200 runs with 8.4 overs remaining.
However, footage from the modern-day legend’s dressing room revealed that Kohli was completely dejected. He appeared to be angry at himself, repeatedly banging his head and shaking his head in disbelief.
It rarely happens that a well-set Kohli, in a run chase, gets defeated before getting India over the line. That is why he is known as ‘Cheesemaster’. But on Sunday, Josh Hazlewood’s short-ball ploy ultimately worked, even if at the back end of the innings, Kohli pulled it straight to Marnus Labuschagne at short midwicket. Kohli was stunned before walking towards the pavilion, shaking his head in disappointment.
Kohli fell 15 runs short of scoring a century, but was disappointed that India were still 32 runs short of the target and he could not finish the game for the team.
Rahul and Hardik Pandya took 14 more balls to complete the chase and give India a great start in their home World Cup tournament.
India will play its second match against Afghanistan on October 11 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news! Click here!Catch all the latest World Cup news and live scores as well as World Cup schedule and related updates on Hindustan Times website and apps.