Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill produced commanding centuries as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening ODI at the Greenfield Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a competitive 296, India reached the target with 8.2 overs remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli was unbeaten on 139 from just 88 deliveries, while captain Gill scored 110 off 108 balls as the pair took control of the chase.
The match also brought another major milestone for Kohli, who crossed 15,000 runs in ODI cricket. He became only the second Indian batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark.
Kohli reached the milestone by pulling Alzarri Joseph through mid-wicket for four. The crowd celebrated the achievement as Kohli acknowledged the applause with raised hands and a smile.
India had already made a solid start through Gill and Rohit Sharma, with the opening pair adding 74 runs in 12 overs. Rohit showed glimpses of his stroke-making ability but struggled to find his rhythm consistently. Joseph eventually dismissed him after building pressure with a series of dot balls, with Rohit finding the fielder at deep mid-wicket.
Kohli then joined Gill and quickly took the game away from West Indies. Gill, who had earlier been dropped by substitute Keemo Paul off Jayden Seales, made the most of the opportunity.
The pair added 151 runs from 132 deliveries for the second wicket, leaving West Indies with little chance of mounting a comeback. Even after Gill departed, Kohli continued attacking the bowling and completed his 55th ODI century with a six off Gudakesh Motie over long-on.
Earlier, West Indies posted 295 for seven after a strong start to their innings. Opener Justin Greaves led the way with 101 from 108 balls, hitting 12 fours.
West Indies’ opening partnership produced 135 runs, but India’s Kuldeep Yadav changed the course of the innings with an impressive spell. The spinner claimed four wickets and prevented the visitors from fully capitalising on their strong foundation.
Greaves’ century helped West Indies set a challenging target, but it was overshadowed by India’s dominant batting display. Gill provided stability and class, while Kohli’s aggressive unbeaten knock ensured the chase ended comfortably.
India will head into the second ODI with a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series.
