Virat Kohli marked his comeback to international cricket in spectacular fashion, blasting 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 confines his international duties to the limited‑overs format, produced a dazzling unbeaten 139 runs off just 88 deliveries, peppered with ten fours and nine sixes, steering India to chase down a target of 296 in a brisk 41.4 overs.
In achieving this feat, Kohli also joined an elite club, becoming only the second batsman after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (who amassed 18,426 runs) to cross the 15,000‑run threshold in ODI cricket. The milestone came in his 303rd innings, making him the quickest to reach the landmark, shaving off 74 innings compared with Tendulkar’s 377.
"I never set my mind on personal milestones; I just focus on the process," Kohli reflected after the match. "Looking back at how far I've come fills me with gratitude. Every minute I spend representing India is a privilege, and being able to contribute to the team's success is all a cricketer can ever wish for." India’s captain, Shubman Gill, also played a pivotal role, registering a well‑timed century of 110 runs off 108 balls.
His innings, combined with Kohli’s onslaught, ensured a comfortable win, giving India a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series. The victory was sealed with a towering six from Kohli that pushed the required run‑rate beyond the West Indies' reach.
The West Indies, batting first, posted 295‑7 in their allotted 50 overs. Their opening partnership was a highlight, with Justin Greaves making his maiden ODI hundred – 101 runs off 108 balls – and John Campbell contributing a brisk 62 off 60, together amassing a 135‑run stand within the first 20 overs. Their solid start, however, was later dismantled by India’s spin attack.
Wrist‑spinner Kuldeep Yadav proved lethal in the middle overs, claiming four wickets for 40 runs and reducing the Caribbean side to 198‑5 by the 36th over. A late surge from Amir Jangoo, who remained unbeaten on 58 off 43 balls, gave the West Indies a brief glimmer of hope, but the target of 296 proved insufficient on a pitch that favoured the batters.
India’s opening pair of Gill and Rohit Sharma provided a brisk launch, adding 74 runs off 72 balls, with Sharma contributing 32 off 35 before falling to Alzarri Joseph, who recorded figures of 1‑81 in the 12th over. When Kohli walked to the crease, he quickly found his rhythm, reaching his half‑century in just 40 balls and crossing the 15,000‑run mark en route.
He and Gill then forged a 151‑run partnership for the second wicket, batting together for 132 deliveries before Kohli was dismissed by Roston Chase (1‑64) in the 34th over. Undeterred, Kohli accelerated, reaching his century in 74 balls – his quickest hundred in ODIs – and eventually completed his innings at 139 not out, hitting nine sixes, the most he has ever struck in a single ODI innings. His aggressive approach left India with 8.2 overs to spare, sealing a comprehensive win.
The series will continue with the second ODI scheduled in Guwahati on Wednesday, followed by the third in Chandigarh on Saturday. After the three‑match ODI set‑piece, the two nations will shift focus to a five‑match Twenty20 International series commencing on October 6, promising further high‑octane cricket for fans across both continents. Kohli’s achievement underscores his enduring class and adaptability, especially after stepping back from Test cricket to concentrate on limited‑overs formats.
His ability to blend experience with aggressive intent makes him a linchpin for India’s batting line‑up, and his record‑breaking run tally adds another chapter to an already illustrious career. As the series progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with India aiming to maintain momentum and the West Indies seeking redemption after a promising start that ultimately fell short.