Virat Kohli marked his comeback to international cricket with a spectacular performance, notching his 55th one‑day international century as India secured a comfortable eight‑wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of the series on Sunday. The Indian batting maestro, who now appears only in the ODI format for his country, unleashed an unbeaten 139 runs off just 88 deliveries, peppered with ten fours and nine sixes, steering the side to chase down a target of 296 in a brisk 41.4 overs. At 37, Kohli also joined an exclusive club by becoming the second player ever, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (who amassed 18,426 runs), to eclipse the 15,000‑run milestone in ODI cricket. "I never set my mind on personal milestones; I simply reflect on the beginning of my journey and feel immense gratitude," Kohli said after the match.
"Every minute I spend on the field representing India is a privilege, and I strive to fulfil my role for the team. As a cricketer, this is the dream I have always chased." India's captain Shubman Gill contributed a solid century of his own, compiling 110 runs from 108 balls, which helped the team seal a decisive win – the chase was finally sealed when Kohli lofted a six that sent the crowd into a frenzy, giving India a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series.
West Indies had posted 295‑7 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to an impressive opening stand of 135 runs between Justin Greaves (101 off 108 balls) and John Campbell (62 off 60 balls) within the first 20 overs. Greaves celebrated his maiden ODI ton, providing a solid platform for his side. However, India's wrist‑spinning all‑rounder Kuldeep Yadav turned the tide in the middle overs, claiming four wickets for 40 runs and reducing the Caribbean side to 198‑5 by the 36th over. A late‑order surge from Amir Jangoo, who remained unbeaten on 58 from 43 balls, revived the West Indian innings, but the target of 296 proved insufficient on a pitch that heavily favoured batsmen.
India's opening pair of Gill and Rohit Sharma gave the chase a flying start, adding 74 runs off 72 balls, with Sharma contributing 32 off 35 before falling to Alzarri Joseph (who finished with figures of 1‑81) in the 12th over. When Kohli arrived at the crease, he quickly settled in, reaching his half‑century in just 40 balls and crossing the 15,000‑run landmark in the process. He achieved this feat in only 303 innings, the fastest to reach the milestone compared with Tendulkar’s 377 innings.
Partnering Gill, the duo built a 151‑run partnership for the second wicket, scoring those runs off 132 deliveries before Kohli was dismissed by Roston Chase (who took 1‑64) in the 34th over. Undeterred, Kohli pressed on and completed his century in just 74 balls, eventually finishing on 139 not out with nine sixes – his highest six count in a single ODI innings. His aggressive yet measured approach allowed India to cruise to the finish line with 8.2 overs remaining, underscoring his dominance on a batting‑friendly surface. The series will continue with the second and third ODIs scheduled to be played in Guwahati and Chandigarh on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
Following the one‑day matches, a five‑game T20 series is set to commence on 6 October, offering both teams further opportunities to showcase their talents on the international stage. Kohli's achievement not only highlights his personal brilliance but also serves as a testament to his longevity and adaptability in modern cricket. Reaching 15,000 runs in the limited‑overs format places him among the sport's all‑time greats and adds another chapter to his storied career. As India looks ahead, the combination of experienced campaigners like Kohli and emerging leaders such as Gill promises a potent blend of skill, experience, and youthful vigor, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the tour.