IND vs AUS ICC World Cup 2023 Match Highlights in Pictures: Top Moments as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja star in Chennai

Virat Kohli invoked his inner champion to rescue Team India from a precarious situation and paved the way for a memorable win over Australia in their opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 here at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8).

Kohli - who is often referred to as the 'Chase Master' - showcased his mastery with a brilliant knock of 85 and powered the Men In Blue to a massive 6-wicket win in the opening match of the 10-team showpiece.

CWC 2023: Legend of King Kohli continues to grow

Kohli found a dependable partner in the composed KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten at 97 runs from 115 balls. Their remarkable partnership of 165 runs made chasing the 200-run target seem effortless, despite the challenging pitch conditions. It took them 41.2 overs to secure the victory, demonstrating their resilience.

The Indian spinners also played a crucial role in the win. Ravindra Jadeja, with figures of 3 for 28 in 10 overs, alongside Ravichandran Ashwin (2 for 34 in 10 overs) and Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 42 in 10 overs), made life incredibly difficult for the Australian batsmen, ultimately bowling them out for 199 runs in 49.3 overs.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood spell doom

Early in the innings, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were devastating, dismissing Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer without scoring any runs, leaving India at a precarious 2-3. However, Kohli's audacious display of skills signaled the beginning of a remarkable comeback.

Kohli, adored by Indian fans, unleashed an exquisite drive past pacer Hazlewood, showcasing his resilience. Despite a mistimed pull shot that could have resulted in his dismissal, Kohli received a lucky break when Mitchell Marsh failed to take the catch. This proved to be the turning point that Kohli needed, and he capitalized on it.

Virat Kohli-KL Rahul rescue Team India in Chennai

As Kohli and Rahul rebuilt the innings with singles and twos, Kohli's fitness shone through, with 61 of his runs coming from quick runs between the wickets. It was a testament to his physical endurance. After patiently accumulating runs through singles and doubles, Kohli hit boundaries, ensuring India's path to victory.

Kohli's journey to a possible 48th ODI century was disrupted when he was dismissed after a pull shot off Hazlewood, caught by Marnus Labuschagne. However, KL Rahul continued to impress, showcasing his skills and patience as he expertly managed the chase. In the end, Rahul's eight fours and two sixes secured the victory, matching Kohli's exceptional performance.

In the bowling department, Ravindra Jadeja's knowledge of the Chennai pitch, honed through his association with Chennai Super Kings, proved invaluable. Jadeja's figures of 3 for 28 included crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. His ability to outsmart Smith, who struggled to protect his stumps from Jadeja's deliveries, was particularly significant.

In summary, Virat Kohli's resilience and partnership with KL Rahul, combined with the exceptional bowling of Ravindra Jadeja, set the stage for India's impressive victory over Australia in a thrilling World Cup opener.