Hardik Pandya heaps praise on Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul after duo proper India to early series advantage

India got off to a victorious start in the ongoing ODI series against Australia and it seemed a perfect fit for the hosts, who had three heroes with the bat to turn things around, particularly after an excellent display with the ball in their hands but a shoddy start with the bat. 

Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami led the charge in the bowling department while a returning Ravindra Jadeja combined well with KL Rahul, who showcased his true class under the pump to seal a crucial win for the Indians.

India captain Hardik Pandya had an instrumental role to play as he would go onto bag the crucial scalp of Steve Smith and chime in with a crucial cameo to stabilize a rocked Indian ship. At the end of the game, Pandya spoke on all the positives for the Indian team and how they plan to iron out the kinks in the upcoming fixtures.

Hardik said, “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. I am really proud of the way we played today.”

He was appreciative of how KL Rahul came back in the fold with a sumptuous knock and helped his team turn an early wobble into a phenomenal finish as India secured the desired runs with five wickets and 61 balls to spare.

Talking about Rahul’s heroic performance combined with Jadeja’s returning display, Hardik said, “Jaddu 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 and Jaddu batted, it was calming to those watching from the outside.”

Alongside KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja was absolutely brilliant both with the bat and the ball. He claimed the all-important scalps of Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell and forged the match-winning partnership with Rahul.

Talking in the post-match presentation, Jadeja said, “Playing ODI cricket after eight months, I was just looking to adapt to the format as early as possible. Luckily I got two wickets, and with the bat I was only looking to build a partnership with KL.”

Speaking on how things got slightly easier for Jadeja to get his best into the mix, the all-rounder said, “We were playing Test cricket so the line and length is different here. You can't keep bowling at one pace. I was just looking to bowl in good areas. Also I was getting a little bit of turn, so I thought I need to bowl in the right areas and the wicket will do the rest."

India will be up against Australia for the second ODI tomorrow and it will be played in Andhra Pradesh that can very well settle the fate of the series or make it slightly more interesting than sending it screaming India’s way.