India vs Australia, 1st ODI: KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja Steer India To A 5-Wicket Win Over Australia - In Pics

After being axed from the Test squad for poor performances, KL Rahul hit back at the critics in some style as his composed 75 after Mohammed Shami's mesmerising spell of seam bowling helped Team India overcome initial jitters to win a comfortable five-wicket win against Australia in the opening ODI in Mumbai on Friday. After being put in to bat, Australia suffered a dramatic collapse, losing six wickets for 19 runs inside eight overs to get bowled out for 188 in 35.4 overs, courtesy 3/17 from Shami. For the Aussies, Mitchell Starc caused chaos for the Indian top-order with some incisive swing bowling as India were left tottering at 39 for 4 just after the end of the Powerplay. However, KL Rahul alongside Ravindra Jadeja (45 not out, 69 balls) helped India out with some clinical batting as the hosts led the three-match series 1-0.

Updated: 18 Mar 2023 7:41 am

India vs Australia | Photo: AP/Rafiq Maqbool

India's KL Rahul, center, greets by Australia's captain Steve Smith, second left, after winning one-day international cricket match against Australia, in Mumbai.

India's KL Rahul, center, and Ravindra Jadeja, right, celebrate after winning the first one-day international cricket match against Australia, in Mumbai.

India's KL Rahul watches the ball after playing a shot during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Ravindra Jadeja, left, India's KL Rahul run between the wickets to score during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's KL Rahul raises his bat to celebrate scoring a half century during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

Australian players celebrate dismissal of India's captain Hardik Pandya during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Virat Kohli walks back to pavilion after his dismissal during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

Australia's Mitchell Starc, center without cap, celebrate with teammates the dismissal of India's Surayakumar Yadav during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

Australia's Marcus Stoinis, left, celebrates the dismissal of India's Ishan Kishan, right, during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Mohammed Siraj, right, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Adam Zampa, left, during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Ravindra Jadeja, center without cap, celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Glenn Maxwell during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Mohammed Shami, left, celebrates with his teammate Virat Kohli, center, the dismissal of Australia's Marcus Stoinis during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

Australia's Josh Inglis is bowled out during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Ravindra Jadeja, left, celebrates with teammate Virat Kohli, center, the dismissal of Australia's Mitchell Marsh, right, during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.

India's Mohammed Siraj celebrates the wicket of Australia's Travis Head during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia, in Mumbai.