After being asked to bat first on a sluggish pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India managed to set a total of 240 runs, largely due to impressive half-centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
Australia, in their response, made a swift start despite Mohammed Shami’s early breakthrough, but Jasprit Bumrah’s double strike left them struggling at 47/3.
Amongst the havoc wreaked by the Indian pacers with their exceptional fast bowling, Kohli’s stern gaze directed at Marnus Labuschgane became a focal point of online attention.
Labuschgane came in to bat following Steve Smith’s dismissal, facing a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Trying to slow down the pace, he played out Bumrah’s fifth over without scoring any runs.
As Labuschgane made his way towards Travis Head after surviving the six deliveries, Kohli was spotted giving him a prolonged and intense stare. With the Indian bowlers dominating, Kohli’s strategy seemed like an effort to unsettle the new batsman.
