"I'm So Proud": Hardik Pandya Lauds KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja After Win Over Australia In 1st ODI

Hardik Pandya gave a big thumbs up to the embattled KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, following India's five-wicket win against Australia in the first ODI here, saying they had a huge calming effect on those watching from the sidelines. Test vice-captain Rahul, who was dropped for the third and fourth Tests against Australia because of poor form, struck an unbeaten 75 and along with Jadeja (45 not out) helped the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. "I am really proud the way we played today. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did what he was supposed to do coming back after eight months away from ODIs. I enjoyed my bowling and batting, would have loved to finish it off, but the way KL (Rahul) and Jaddu batted, it was calming to those watching from the outside," said Pandya, the stand-in India skipper for the match at Wankhede.

Rahul, who mostly opens for India, was brought at No.5 following his Test disappointments. But despite the chips being down, he played patiently, consuming 96 balls for his well-made 75.

Pandya conceded India were under pressure while bowling as well as batting, but in the end the team's composure saw it through.

Mitchell Marsh's 65-ball 81 and the quick start the visitors got did put India under some stress but Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja kept chipping away with timely wickets to finally bundle out Australia for 188 in 35.4 overs.

"We were under pressure in both the innings, but we kept our composure, and found ways to come out of those situations. When we got the momentum our way, we didn't let it go," added Pandya.

'Player of the Match' Jadeja said playing ODI cricket after eight months due to a knee surgery, he was only looking to get used to the format and that his performance had