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Virat Kohli put on a masterclass in Thiruvananthapuram as India opened their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a commanding eight-wicket victory. The 37-year-old batter’s unbeaten 139 proved decisive in chasing down the West Indies’ total of 296, with India securing the win with 50 balls to spare.
Kohli’s performance marked a historic personal achievement: his passage to 15,000 ODI runs, accomplished in his 303rd innings. He became only the second batter in cricket history to reach that milestone, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who required 377 innings to get there. The century was his record-extending 55th in the format, extending his lead as the all-time leading century-maker in ODI cricket.
Captain Shubman Gill provided crucial support, scoring 110 as the pair combined for a 151-run partnership for the second wicket. Gill had earlier opened with Rohit Sharma, who contributed 32 to give India a brisk start. For the West Indies, Justin Greaves scored 101 and put on a 135-run opening stand with John Campbell (62), but India’s bowling attack, led by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul, proved too strong in the middle overs.
Kohli, who recently announced that the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will be his last World Cup appearance, emphasised his focus on team performance rather than personal milestones. "My focus has never really been on these milestones," he said, according to Jamaica Observer’s report. "It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team."
Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma are now playing exclusively in the 50-over format following their retirements from Test and T20 cricket, with their sights set on next year’s World Cup. The second match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday in Guwahati.
India and the West Indies are engaged in a three-match ODI series that serves as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both teams are using the competition to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the tournament, which will be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The West Indies cricket team represents the Caribbean region in international competition. This series provides insight into the regional team’s performance against one of world cricket’s leading nations as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- reuters.com
- skysports.com
- aljazeera.com
- apnews.com
- deccanchronicle.com
- indiatimes.com
- co.uk
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