Virat Kohli marked his comeback to the international stage with a spectacular performance, notching his 55th one‑day international century as India secured an eight‑wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of the series on Sunday. The 37‑year‑old batting maestro, who now features only in the ODI format for India, smashed an unbeaten 139 runs off just 88 deliveries, punctuated by ten fours and nine towering sixes. His explosive knock helped India chase down a target of 296 runs in a brisk 41.4 overs.
In achieving this feat, Kohli also etched his name in the record books as only the second player, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (who amassed 18,426 runs), to surpass the 15,000‑run milestone in ODIs. "I never set my mind on personal milestones; I simply focus on playing my best cricket," Kohli reflected after the match. "Looking back at how far I've come fills me with gratitude. Every minute I spend on the field representing India is a privilege, and being able to contribute to the team's success is the ultimate dream for any cricketer." India's captain, Shubman Gill, also made a significant contribution, compiling a century of his own—110 runs off 108 balls—ensuring that the team comfortably clinched the win.
The match was effectively sealed when Kohli struck a decisive six, propelling India to a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series. West Indies, batting first, posted 295 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Their opening pair, Justin Greaves and John Campbell, provided a solid platform, compiling a 135‑run partnership within the first 20 overs.
Greaves, making his maiden ODI century, scored 101 off 108 deliveries, while Campbell added a brisk 62 off 60 balls. However, the middle order struggled as India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav turned the tide, delivering figures of 4 for 40 and dismantling the West Indian batting line‑up, which slumped to 198 for 5 by the 36th over. A brief resurgence came from Amir Jangoo, who remained unbeaten on 58 off 43 balls, but the required 296 runs proved too steep on a pitch that favored batters.
India's chase was swift and decisive. Openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma combined for a 74‑run partnership in just 72 balls, with Sharma contributing 32 off 35 before falling to Alzarri Joseph’s spell of 1 for 81 in the 12th over. Kohli entered the fray shortly thereafter and, displaying his trademark composure, reached his half‑century in a mere 40 balls. In doing so, he also crossed the 15,000‑run barrier, achieving the milestone in just 303 innings—significantly faster than Tendulkar, who required 377 innings.
Together with Gill, Kohli forged a 151‑run stand for the second wicket in 132 balls, before the captain was dismissed by Roston Chase (1 for 64) in the 34th over. Unfazed, Kohli accelerated, reaching his century in 74 balls and eventually completing his innings at 139 not out, with eight overs and two balls to spare. His nine sixes in the innings marked his highest six‑hit tally in a single ODI. The victory not only highlighted India's batting depth but also underscored Kohli’s enduring class and ability to dominate even after a period away from the format.
Looking ahead, the series will continue with the second ODI scheduled in Guwahati on Wednesday, followed by the third match in Chandigarh on Saturday. After the three‑match ODI series, the two nations will shift focus to a five‑match T20 International series slated to begin on October 6, promising further high‑octane cricket for fans across both countries.