Virat Kohli marked his comeback to top‑level cricket in spectacular fashion, notching his 55th one‑day international century as India dispatched the West Indies by eight wickets in the opening match of the series on Sunday. The 37‑year‑old, who now concentrates exclusively on the 50‑over format for his country, unleashed an unbeaten 139 runs from just 88 deliveries, peppered with ten boundaries and nine towering sixes, steering India to chase down a target of 296 in a brisk 41.4 overs.
In achieving this feat, Kohli also etched his name in the record books as only the second batsman, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (who amassed 18,426 runs), to cross the 15,000‑run threshold in ODIs. The milestone came in his 303rd innings, making him the quickest to reach the landmark, shaving off 74 innings compared with Tendulkar’s 377‑match journey. "I never set my sights on numbers; my focus has always been on the process," Kohli reflected after the match. "Looking back at where I started, I feel immense gratitude.
Every minute I spend wearing the Indian jersey is a privilege, and I’m glad I can still contribute meaningfully to the team. As a cricketer, this is the dream I have always chased." India’s captain, Shubman Gill, also made a significant contribution, compiling a solid 110 runs off 108 balls. His century, combined with Kohli’s explosive knock, ensured a comfortable win for the hosts, giving India a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series. The decisive blow came when Kohli lofted a six that sealed the chase, leaving the West Indies with little chance of a comeback.
The West Indies, batting first, posted 295 for 7 after utilizing their full quota of 50 overs. Their opener, Justin Greaves, celebrated his maiden ODI ton with an unbeaten 101 off 108 deliveries, forging a formidable 135‑run opening stand with John Campbell, who contributed 62 runs from 60 balls within the first 20 overs.
Their partnership set a solid platform, but the middle order could not sustain the momentum. India’s spin attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav, proved decisive in the middle overs.
The left‑arm wrist spinner claimed four wickets for 40 runs, dismantling the West Indian line‑up and reducing them to 198 for 5 by the 36th over. Although Amir Jangoo tried to revive the innings with an unbeaten 58 from 43 balls, the target of 296 proved insufficient on a pitch that favored batsmen. India’s chase began smoothly, with openers Gill and Rohit Sharma stitching together a 74‑run partnership in 72 balls. Sharma contributed a quick‑fire 32 off 35 before falling to Alzarri Joseph, who recorded figures of 1 for 81 in the 12th over.
Kohli arrived at the crease shortly thereafter and accelerated rapidly, reaching his half‑century in just 40 balls and crossing the 15,000‑run milestone en route. His strike rate was relentless, and he and Gill added 151 runs for the second wicket in 132 balls, putting the required run‑rate comfortably within reach.
After Gill’s dismissal to Roston Chase (1 for 64) in the 34th over, Kohli took charge of the innings. He continued to dominate, reaching his century in just 74 balls – his quickest ODI hundred to date – and eventually finishing on 139 not out. His nine sixes in the innings marked his highest six count in a single ODI performance. With 8.2 overs remaining, India comfortably crossed the finish line, securing a comprehensive win.
The series will move forward with the second ODI scheduled at Guwahati on Wednesday, followed by the third match in Chandigarh on Saturday. After the three‑match ODI series, the two sides will transition to a five‑match T20 International series starting on October 6, providing further opportunities for both teams to showcase their talents in the shortest format. Kohli’s achievement underscores his enduring class and adaptability, even as he narrows his focus to limited‑overs cricket.
His ability to produce match‑winning innings, coupled with his leadership on and off the field, continues to inspire teammates and fans alike. As the series progresses, India will look to build on this dominant performance, while the West Indies will aim to regroup and counter the formidable batting line‑up that has so far proven difficult to contain.