Virat Kohli marked his return to ODI cricket in spectacular fashion, smashing a brilliant unbeaten century as India chased down West Indies’ 295-run target with ease in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kohli finished with 139 not out from 88 balls, while Shubman Gill produced an equally impressive 110 off 108 deliveries. Their efforts helped India reach 300/2 in 41.4 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Virat Kohli completes another historic ODI milestone
The headline belonged to Kohli even before the result was confirmed. The former India captain entered the contest just 59 runs short of 15,000 ODI runs and duly reached the landmark during his spectacular innings.
He also registered his 55th ODI century, moving further into an exclusive club of players with extraordinary numbers in the 50-over format. Kohli brought up his century from 74 balls, finishing the innings with 10 fours and 9 sixes.
The century was particularly special because it came in front of a packed Thiruvananthapuram crowd, with Kohli producing the kind of controlled aggression that has become synonymous with his ODI batting.
After reaching three figures, he removed his helmet and raised his bat as the crowd erupted.
Shubman Gill leads the Indian chase
While Kohli provided the finishing touch, Shubman Gill laid the foundation for India’s successful chase.
The India captain scored a superb century, anchoring the innings while ensuring the required run rate never became a concern. Gill was eventually dismissed by Roston Chase for 110, with India sitting comfortably at 225/2 after 33.6 overs.
Gill’s century was particularly important because West Indies had posted a competitive total after being asked to bat first. His partnership with Kohli effectively took the game away from the visitors.
The pair put together a massive second-wicket stand before Gill’s departure, leaving Kohli to finish the job alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Justin Greaves’ maiden ODI century
West Indies had plenty of reasons for optimism during the first half of the match.
Justin Greaves produced a superb maiden ODI century, scoring 101 runs from 108 balls after opening the innings with John Campbell. The pair added 135 runs for the first wicket, giving West Indies an excellent platform.
Campbell contributed 62 from 60 balls, while Amir Jangoo provided valuable late acceleration with an unbeaten 58.
However, West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals after the opening partnership, preventing them from converting their strong start into a much larger total.
Kuldeep Yadav turns the game around
The biggest bowling contribution for India came from Kuldeep Yadav.
Returning to ODI cricket, the left-arm wrist-spinner produced an excellent 4/40 in 10 overs. His spell was particularly important because West Indies appeared capable of pushing beyond the 320-run mark after their strong opening stand.
Kuldeep dismissed Campbell, Shai Hope, Greaves and Jewel Andrew, with the wickets of Greaves and Andrew arriving in successive deliveries.
That burst reduced West Indies to 198/5 and shifted the momentum firmly towards India.
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India start ODI series in style
West Indies eventually finished on 295/7, but India’s experienced batting combination made the target look considerably smaller.
Gill’s century provided stability, while Kohli’s unbeaten 139 ensured there was no late drama. At 300/2 after 41.4 overs, India completed the chase with 50 balls to spare.
For India, the victory offered several positives: Gill continued to underline his importance at the top, Kohli made a memorable return to ODI cricket, and Kuldeep demonstrated his value in the middle overs.
For West Indies, Greaves’ maiden century and the early opening partnership provided encouragement despite the eventual defeat.
With two ODIs still remaining in the series, the focus now shifts to Guwahati. But after a record-filled first game, Kohli, Gill and Kuldeep have already given India plenty to celebrate.
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