Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls in India’s first ODI against West Indies at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on September 27, 2026. The innings featured 10 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 157.95. India successfully chased West Indies’ total of 296, securing an eight-wicket victory with 50 balls remaining.
The century marked Kohli’s 55th ODI hundred and saw him become the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. The achievement underscored his consistency and longevity at the highest level of one-day cricket.
Former India opener Abhinav Mukund opined that Kohli was batting at the peak of his powers and his performance on the night was the icing on the cake as the Men in Blue had a day to remember.
“It was a privilege to watch him score 139 in a 296-run chase and complete 15,000 runs in the bargain. Kohli was at the peak of his powers. Lots of sixes in the innings and an absolute masterclass. He now averages over 90 in successful ODI run-chases. India looked great, and his 139 was the icing on the cake,” Mukund said on his Instagram handle.
Records and milestones from the innings
Kohli’s innings contained several notable individual records. It was the first time in his international career that he reached both fifty and hundred with sixes in the same innings. The nine sixes he hit represented a career-high in a single ODI innings. Additionally, this was his 10th ODI century against West Indies, equalling his own record of 10 centuries against Sri Lanka. The batter’s aggressive approach and consistent run-scoring in the chase demonstrated his ability to dominate opposition bowling in high-pressure situations.
The second ODI will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, September 30. This is going to be a must-win game for the West Indies. They will have to bring their A-game to the fore to test this well-balanced Indian side.
