Virat Kohli’s 139 Caps Record-Breaking India Win Over West Indies
Virat Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs and followed the milestone with an unbeaten 139 as India beat West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI of their three-match series in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
Kohli reached the landmark during India’s chase at the Greenfield International Stadium, becoming only the second batter in men’s ODI history to pass 15,000 runs after Sachin Tendulkar. The International Cricket Council said Kohli reached the mark in 315 innings, making him the fastest batter to the milestone.
He did not slow down after reaching the record. Kohli finished on 139 not out from 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes. The innings was his 55th ODI century and helped India complete the chase with 50 balls to spare.
West Indies post 295
West Indies were asked to bat first after India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field.
The visitors made a strong start through John Campbell and Justin Greaves, who put together a 135-run opening partnership. Campbell made 62 from 60 balls, while Greaves went on to score 101 from 108 deliveries.
India eventually regained control through Kuldeep Yadav. Returning to the ODI side, the left-arm wrist-spinner claimed four wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs as West Indies were restricted to 295 for seven from their 50 overs. Prasidh Krishna took two wickets for 60 runs.
The 295-run total gave India a target of 296.
Kohli and Gill take control
India’s chase began with Rohit Sharma and Gill putting on 74 for the first wicket. Sharma was dismissed for 32 from 35 balls, bringing Kohli to the crease.
Kohli quickly settled into the chase, while Gill provided the other major contribution at the top of the order. The pair added 151 runs for the second wicket before Gill was dismissed for 110 from 108 balls.
Gill’s century was his 10th in ODI cricket. Kohli continued after his partner’s departure, taking India across the finish line alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.
India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139, while Gaikwad finished on 13 not out.
The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Another milestone for Kohli
The 15,000-run mark adds another statistical landmark to Kohli’s ODI career.
According to the ICC, he became the fastest batter to reach 15,000 men’s ODI runs, having previously held the fastest marks for reaching 8,000 through 14,000 runs. He also became only the second batter after Tendulkar to cross 15,000 in the format.
Kohli’s century also extended his record for ODI hundreds to 55. His latest hundred came more than two months after his previous ODI appearance, according to the Indian Express.
After the match, Kohli said his focus had not been on reaching individual milestones, but on understanding the situation and doing his job for the team.
India begin their ODI campaign strongly
The victory was built on contributions in both innings rather than Kohli’s record alone. Kuldeep’s four-wicket haul restricted a West Indies side that had reached 135 without loss, while Gill and Kohli then turned India’s chase into a comfortable finish.
For West Indies, Greaves’ century was a significant individual effort, but the team could not defend 295 after India’s top order produced two centuries.
The opening match also marked an important stage in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The ICC reported that Kohli has said the tournament will be his final World Cup for India and that winning the title is his stated goal.
India now lead the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will determine whether West Indies can level the series or India can take an unassailable lead.
This story may be updated as new information becomes available.
