Virat Kohli: Kohli’s masterclass takes India to a 1-0 lead; Virat Kohli notched up a mammoth haul of records as India beat the West Indies by 8 wickets in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September.
Kohli reaches another major milestone
Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become only the 2nd batter in men’s ODI cricket to cross the 15,000-run mark. It took him 303 ODI innings to reach the milestone. His century was another landmark. Kohli’s 139 not out brought his total to 55 in all and 55 centuries in men’s international one-day cricket, a record. In his 74-ball third century of the year, he drove West Indies bowling to all parts.
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An aggressive 139 sets up India’s chase
Chasing 296, India made 295/7 in their 50 overs. Kohli walked in after the fall of Rohit Sharma‘s 32 and was caught up with captain Shubman Gill, who was also accumulating a huge innings. Kohli did not just stay put for the chase; he took the attack to the bowlers from the moment he stepped onto the crease. His 139 comprised 13 fours and nine sixes, the nine sixes being the most he had hit in an ODI innings. Kohli and Gill had already put India well ahead before Gill was run out for 110. Kohli was unbeaten at the close, with Ruturaj Gaikwad finishing unbeaten with him as India ended up 300/2 in 41.4 overs.
Gill adds another century
In the same way, Shubman Gill was also vital in the chase with a significant knock of 110. Gill’s 10th ODI century set up the stage nicely for India following the early loss of Rohit.
Kuldeep’s spell changes the first innings
Bowling for India, Kuldeep Yadav was excellent before the batters kicked into gear. West Indies made a positive start through Justin Greaves and John Campbell with a partnership of 135 for the opening wicket. Greaves continued to score 101 in the middle. Campbell scored 62. Kuldeep broke in in the middle order and finished with four wickets for 40 runs, ensuring that Windies didn’t get too much.
