India leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 after an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing a target of 296 at the Greenfield International Stadium, the hosts reached the total with 50 balls to spare, led by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
Kohli finished unbeaten on 139 off 88 deliveries, becoming the second player in history to reach 15,000 ODI runs. The innings marked his 55th ODI century and his 86th international hundred. He shared a 151-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 110 off 108 balls to record his 10th century in the format.
Earlier, West Indies opening pair provided a start of 135 before a middle-order collapse. Player of the Match Kuldeep Yadav took 4 for 40 as the visitors fell from 135 for 0 to 198 for 5. Analysis suggests the collapse highlights the visitors’ difficulties against high-quality wrist-spin on subcontinental tracks.
Justin Greaves provided the primary resistance for West Indies, scoring his maiden ODI century with 101 off 108 balls. However, Greaves was forced to leave the field due to a shin injury, leaving his availability for the remainder of the series uncertain.
West Indies captain Shai Hope addressed the result after the match, saying, “Playing India in their backyard is a challenge, need to grasp and embrace it.”
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke on the team selection and the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal from the playing XI. Kotak stated, “It is not a case of Jaiswal being treated unfairly, he needs to wait for his opportunity.”
The series continues in Guwahati for the second ODI on Wednesday, September 30, before the final match in Chandigarh on October 3.
