Virat Kohli produced another memorable ODI performance as India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026.
Chasing 296, India reached 300/2 in 41.4 overs, with Kohli remaining unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls. Shubman Gill also hit a century, helping India complete the chase with ease.
West Indies Post 295/7
West Indies made a strong start after being asked to bat first.
Openers Justin Greaves and John Campbell added 135 runs for the first wicket. Campbell scored 62 from 60 balls, while Greaves went on to make his maiden ODI century, finishing with 101 from 108 deliveries.
Amir Jangoo provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 58 from 43 balls, helping West Indies finish on 295/7 after 50 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav Changes the Momentum
India needed a breakthrough after the West Indies openers had built a substantial partnership.
That breakthrough came from Kuldeep Yadav, who returned to ODI cricket with an excellent spell.
The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with 4 wickets for 40 runs from 10 overs, helping India restrict West Indies to a total that proved manageable during the chase.
Kuldeep was subsequently named Player of the Match.
Kohli and Gill Dominate the Chase
India started the chase positively, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a quick opening partnership.
Rohit was dismissed for 32, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease.
Kohli quickly settled in and joined Gill in a major partnership. The duo shared a 151-run partnership, giving India a strong advantage in the chase.
Gill reached his century before being dismissed for 110 from 108 balls. Kohli then continued attacking as India moved closer to the target.
Virat Kohli's 55th ODI Century
Kohli reached his century in just 74 balls and continued scoring aggressively after reaching three figures.
He finished unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls, including 10 fours and nine sixes according to the reported scorecard. He sealed the victory with a six as India reached 300/2 in 41.4 overs.
The century was Kohli's 55th in ODI cricket, adding another milestone to his already extensive one-day record.
Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
The match also produced another major career milestone.
Kohli became only the second batter in ODI history to reach 15,000 runs, following Sachin Tendulkar.
He reached the landmark in his 303rd ODI innings, making him the fastest player to reach 15,000 ODI runs.
India Take a 1-0 Series Lead
With the eight-wicket victory, India moved 1-0 ahead in the three-match ODI series.
The second ODI is scheduled for September 30 in Guwahati, giving both teams another opportunity to make an impact in the series.
Final Thoughts
India's first ODI against West Indies had several standout performances.
Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket spell restricted the visitors, Shubman Gill produced a century, and Virat Kohli finished the chase with an unbeaten 139.
For Kohli, the innings was especially significant because it combined a match-winning performance with the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs.
India will now look to carry that momentum into the second ODI.
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