Overcoming a jittery start, India romped to a comfortable six-wicket victory against Australia in the opening World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. KL Rahul was adjudged Player of the Match for his formidable 97-run innings that was laced with eight boundaries and two maximums. 

Speaking at the post-match ceremony, KL Rahul revealed he and Virat Kohli decided to pursue the match like Test cricket after coming in to bat when the scoreboard wore a sorry look. 

"Quite honestly not a lot of conversation, I thought I’d get a good shower and get a break. I was just trying to get my breath back. Virat said there's a bit of help in this wicket, so we have to play proper shots and think like we're in Test cricket for a little time. There was a bit of help for the pacers with the new ball, and then the spinners also," said Rahul. 

Notably, Rahul and Kohli stitched a 165-run partnership in 215 balls which batted away the Australian side from competition. While Kohli perished on 85, just before the finish line, Rahul carried his bat through and struck the winning runs to kick-start India's World Cup campaign.