India won the first match of the ODI series against Australia. Team India bowled out Australia for 188 runs in Mumbai. In response, Hardik Pandya’s team won by five wickets. The good news for India and fans in this match is the return of KL Rahul to form. Recently he was dropped from the team due to his poor performance against Australia. However, playing as wicketkeeper-batsman in the one-day series, he scored 75 not out. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja supported him. He scored 45 runs. India won the match on the basis of the performance of these two batsmen. After the match, Rahul said, batting with Jadeja is a lot of fun.
KL Rahul said in the post-match program, ‘Our first three wickets fell very quickly. Mitchell Starc becomes formidable with very good bowling. I tried to play my normal cricket. Confidence returned after hitting a few boundaries. I batted with Shubman, Hardik and Jadeja. We played positively. Tried to stay away from bad balls. A good run can only happen if you focus on your footwork. I really enjoyed batting with Jadeja.
He further said, ‘When Ravindra Jadeja comes to bat, I get some loose balls. It comes from experienced bowlers. The combination of right hand and left hand starts working for us. Jaddu batted very well and took runs from the wicket. Jadeja is in excellent form. He knows what to do in any situation.
Significantly, after losing many consecutive wickets, India was under pressure. At that time, the batting of Jadeja and KL Rahul won the Men in Blue match.
Mohammad praised Shamir’s impeccable bowling in the Mumbai match. He said, “When we started, I did not think that this wicket would benefit the bowlers.” But when Shami comes to bowl, he bowls brilliantly. To win any team, wickets of the opposition team should be taken in the middle overs. Regarding his wicket-keeping, he said, ‘I like keeping where there is bounce in the wicket. A bit more challenging where the pitch is slow and the ball is likely to drop. The challenge has to be taken physically.
