Virat Kohli Hits 55th ODI Century as India Beat West Indies

NEW DELHI (Sports Desk) – Virat Kohli struck a record-extending 55th ODI century after surpassing 15,000 runs in the format as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of the three-game series on Sunday.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls, while captain Shubman Gill scored 110 as the pair shared a 151-run partnership for the second wicket. India chased down the 296-run target with 50 balls to spare in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kohli sealed the win with his ninth six of the innings, taking India 1-0 ahead in the series as the team continues its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 37-year-old produced a landmark performance, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 15,000 ODI runs. He reached the milestone in his 303rd innings, while Tendulkar needed 377 innings to reach the mark and finished his career with 18,426 ODI runs.

“My focus has never really been on these milestones,” Kohli said. “It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team. Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position for having played for so long.”

Gill registered his 10th ODI century, but Kohli soon took centre stage by bringing up his hundred with a six as the home crowd rose to applaud the veteran batter.

Kohli now leads the list of ODI century-makers with 55 hundreds, followed by Tendulkar with 49 and Rohit Sharma with 34.

Kohli targets 2027 World Cup

Kohli and Rohit, 39, are now focused solely on the 50-over format after retiring from Test and T20I cricket as they target the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“We’re a year away from the World Cup. I know what my goal is, and yeah, it’s pretty clear for me that whatever games we get, I just need to keep working on different aspects of the game,” Kohli said.

He added that maintaining his fitness, continuing to challenge himself and contributing in the field would remain key priorities. Kohli had also told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday that the 2027 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.

Earlier, West Indies posted 295-7 after Justin Greaves scored 101 and shared a 135-run opening partnership with John Campbell, who contributed 62.

India fought back through left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed 4-40, including one maiden, to restrict the West Indies in the middle overs.

Kuldeep dismissed Greaves and Jewel Andrew off successive deliveries, but Roston Chase survived the hat-trick opportunity. Chase later added 52 with Amir Jangoo, who finished unbeaten on 58.

The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on Wednesday.