India vs West Indies 1st ODI: Virat Kohli 139, Shubman Gill Century Power India to 8-Wicket Win

India vs West Indies 1st ODI: Virat Kohli produced another memorable ODI masterclass as India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series in Thiruvananthapuram. Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 from just 88 balls, while Shubman Gill contributed a composed 110 as India chased down West Indies' 296-run target in only 41.4 overs.

The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second match scheduled to be played in Guwahati on September 30.

It was a remarkable afternoon for Kohli, who combined explosive stroke play with another major milestone in his already decorated ODI career. The former India captain reached 15,000 ODI runs, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark.

West Indies Post 295/7 After Strong Opening Partnership

After winning the toss, Shubman Gill elected to bowl first, giving West Indies the opportunity to set a target.

The visitors made an excellent start as Justin Greaves and John Campbell immediately put pressure on India's bowling attack. The opening pair attacked the ball positively and found boundaries regularly, keeping the scoring rate above six runs per over during the early stages.

Campbell was particularly aggressive. He scored 62 from 60 deliveries, striking six fours and three sixes as the West Indies openers built a substantial foundation.

The opening partnership eventually reached 135 runs from just 19.2 overs, putting India under early pressure.

India needed a breakthrough, and it came through their wrist-spin specialist Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep eventually ended Campbell's innings, but the dismissal did little to immediately halt West Indies' momentum. Greaves continued his impressive innings and moved towards a landmark of his own.

Justin Greaves Scores Maiden ODI Century

Greaves produced one of the standout performances for West Indies, converting his strong start into his maiden ODI century.

The all-rounder displayed patience as well as attacking intent, ensuring that West Indies remained on course for a competitive total even as India periodically picked up wickets.

However, Greaves' celebrations were short-lived. Kuldeep struck again soon after the century, removing the dangerous all-rounder and giving India an important opening into the West Indies middle order.

The visitors still had enough batting depth to finish strongly.

Amir Jangoo provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 58 from 43 balls, helping West Indies reach 295/7 from their 50 overs.

It was a competitive total, but India's batting lineup proved more than capable of handling the challenge.

Kuldeep Yadav Leads India's Bowling Attack

While the headlines ultimately belonged to Kohli and Gill, Kuldeep Yadav played a crucial role in India's victory.

The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with excellent figures of 4/40 from his 10 overs. His ability to break partnerships proved particularly important after West Indies had established a commanding opening stand.

Kuldeep's four-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.

Prasidh Krishna also made a contribution with the ball, finishing with 2/60, while Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed the remaining wicket with figures of 1/45.

Although India conceded 295 runs, the bowlers ensured that West Indies could not turn their strong start into a 320-plus total.

India Makes a Fast Start in the Chase

India began the chase aggressively.

The opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 70 runs during the first 10 overs, giving India an ideal platform.

Gill looked particularly fluent and was given an important reprieve when West Indies failed to hold onto a chance.

Rohit continued to find the boundary before West Indies finally broke through in the 12th over.

Alzarri Joseph dismissed Rohit Sharma, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease.

The dismissal could have given West Indies an opportunity to apply pressure, but Kohli immediately settled into the chase alongside Gill.

Kohli and Gill Take Complete Control

The partnership between Kohli and Gill ultimately decided the match.

The two batters combined experience, timing and calculated aggression to keep the required run rate comfortably under control. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, they continued to pick off boundaries and rotate the strike.

Their partnership became increasingly dominant as the West Indies bowlers struggled to create further opportunities.

Kohli and Gill added 151 runs from just 132 balls, effectively taking the match away from the visitors.

Gill eventually reached his 10th ODI century, scoring 110 from 108 deliveries.

His innings provided the stability India needed after Rohit's dismissal and allowed Kohli to attack more freely at the other end.

Gill's innings finally ended when Roston Chase dismissed him, but by then India required only a small portion of the target.

Virat Kohli Finishes With Another ODI Masterclass

Kohli then took centre stage.

The 37-year-old reached his 55th ODI century, adding another landmark to a career that has already produced numerous records.

His innings was a combination of controlled aggression and exceptional shot selection. Kohli accelerated as the target came within reach and eventually finished unbeaten on 139 from only 88 balls.

He sealed India's victory in emphatic fashion, hitting a six to complete the chase.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who joined Kohli after Gill's dismissal, remained unbeaten on 13.

India finished on 300/2 in 41.4 overs, winning the match by eight wickets with 50 deliveries remaining.

Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs

One of the biggest moments of the match came when Kohli crossed the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket.

He became only the second player in men's ODI history to achieve the feat, joining the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

The landmark added another extraordinary chapter to Kohli's ODI career.

His 139 not out also ensured that his latest milestone came during a match-winning performance rather than simply being a statistical achievement.

India vs West Indies 1st ODI Scorecard

What This Win Means for India

The opening ODI provided India with several positives.

Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket performance demonstrated the importance of India's spin options, while the batting display showed the depth and experience available at the top of the order.

Gill's century was particularly significant as he continues to establish himself as one of India's leading ODI batters. His partnership with Kohli also demonstrated how effectively India's established and younger batting generations can work together.

For West Indies, the 295-run total showed that their batting lineup is capable of putting pressure on India. Greaves' maiden century and Jangoo's unbeaten half-century were encouraging signs despite the eventual defeat.

However, the visitors will need to find a way to take wickets more consistently during India's middle overs if they are to challenge the hosts in the next match.

India vs West Indies 2nd ODI: What's Next?

The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, 2026.

India will enter the match with a 1-0 series lead, while West Indies will be looking to level the series.

After Kohli's unbeaten 139, Gill's century and Kuldeep's four-wicket haul, India will have plenty of confidence heading into the second contest.

For West Indies, the challenge will be to build on their strong first-half performance and find answers to India's powerful batting combination.

The first ODI belonged to India, and particularly to Virat Kohli, whose latest century and 15,000-run milestone provided the defining moments of a comprehensive eight-wicket victory.