Virat Kohli became the second batter in history to reach 15,000 ODI runs on Sunday, reaching the milestone in record time during India’s eight-wicket win over West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium. Kohli achieved the feat in his 303rd innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 377 innings by 74 matches.
Kohli finished with an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, including a career-best nine sixes in a single ODI innings. The effort helped India chase down a target of 296 in 41.4 overs. The performance comes as Kohli now exclusively represents India in the ODI format, having retired from Test and T20I cricket.
“It excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help any team that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL,” Kohli said following the match. Analysis: Kohli’s strike rate of 157.95 in this innings suggests the ‘new version’ refers to a more aggressive scoring intent to compensate for his reduced international schedule.
Shubman Gill provided significant support in a 151-run partnership, scoring 110 off 108 balls to register his 10th ODI century. Earlier, West Indies posted 295/8 behind a maiden ODI century from Justin Greaves. The 32-year-old scored 101 off 108 balls and shared a 135-run opening stand with Alick Athanaze, the first century opening partnership for West Indies against India in India since 2019.
Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match for his bowling figures of 4 for 40 in 10 overs. Kuldeep’s spell effectively checked the West Indian middle order after their strong start. India now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled for September 30 in Guwahati.
Kohli, who is now 3,346 runs away from Tendulkar’s all-time record of 18,426 ODI runs, also confirmed his long-term international plans. “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” he stated, referring to the 2027 tournament.
