Hardik Pandya, Dhoni changed the game: Kohli

Chennai, September 18: Skipper Virat Kohli said Hardik Pandya's blistering half-century was the game-changer for India in the first ODI against Australia.

India beat Australia by 26 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-affected match at Chennai to go 1-0 up in the series.

"We spoke at the toss that we wanted to put on a big score. We lost wickets but MS (Dhoni) and Kedar played well. Hardik and later MS finished it off like he does.

"It was an example of how good the middle and lower order can be," he said.

"Hardik believes in himself, and his innings was the game-changer. He possesses all three skills equally and we are lucky to have him," Kohli added.

The India captain also complemented his bowlers for restricting Australia after the visitors were set a revised target of 164 off 21 overs.

"The bowlers were outstanding as well. It is a matter of giving players confidence.

(Yuzvendra) Chahal is very brave and doesn't say no to any situation. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) and (Jasprit) Bumrah were very clinical and our bank bowlers," Kohli said.

"After the rain, we felt this was our best T20 attack. We can't have a more perfect combination."

Australia captain Steve Smith said they lost the plot after reducing India to 87 for five.

"Yeah, obviously we got ourselves into a good position. We had them at 5 for 87 and let things off a bit," he said.

"We lost too many wickets in the middle. You can't control the weather. No complaints, we weren't good enough and we were outplayed by India," he said.