Virat Kohli etched his name further into cricket history by becoming only the second batter, following Sachin Tendulkar, to surpass 15,000 runs in men’s one-day international cricket. The milestone was achieved on Sunday with a flawless unbeaten century, guiding India to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the West Indies.
Kohli struck 139 not out from just 88 deliveries, partnering with Shubman Gill, who contributed a century of his own. Together, they chased down a target of 296 with 50 balls remaining, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The achievement arrives shortly after Kohli announced his intention to retire from international cricket following the 2027 World Cup. Already having stepped away from T20 internationals and Test matches, Kohli now focuses exclusively on the 50-over format.
India’s chase began with a solid 74-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Gill before Sharma fell in the 12th over. Gill, currently the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, then took control of the innings, reaching his 10th ODI century with a powerful sweep.
Kohli, who now holds the record for the most international centuries, joined Gill at the crease and the pair established a dominant 151-run partnership off 132 balls that effectively sealed the match. Gill was eventually dismissed by Roston Chase, but Ruturaj Gaikwad provided quick support with 13 runs from 19 balls, allowing Kohli to guide India home without further difficulty. Kohli ended the match with successive boundary shots.
Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, the West Indies received a strong start from Justin Greaves and John Campbell, who added 135 runs for the first wicket off 117 balls. Greaves, who had been dropped on 16 by Sharma, punished India’s bowling unit to score his maiden ODI century, finishing as the top scorer for the visitors.
India began to gain momentum when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Campbell in the 20th over. Yadav and Prasidh Krishna then restricted the West Indies to losing four wickets for just 22 runs between the 31st and 36th overs. Yadav finished with figures of 4-40 in his ODI return.
Despite the collapse, Amir Jangoo fought back with a quickfire 58 off 43 balls, supported by Chase, to help the West Indies recover from 198-5 and post a competitive total of 295.
Kohli is clearly in a league of his own. That unbeaten 139 was pure class, reminding us why he’s a legend.
Just brilliant! What a way to celebrate a historic milestone. India looked unstoppable in that chase.