Kohli and Gill Centuries Power India Past West Indies After Kuldeep’s Four-Wicket Haul

India opened their three-match ODI series against West Indies with a commanding eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram, riding on centuries from Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill after Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket spell had restricted the visitors.

West Indies appeared set for a much bigger total after an explosive start, but India's middle-overs bowling pulled the innings back. The visitors eventually finished on 295 for 7 from their 50 overs before India completed the chase in just 41.4 overs.

West Indies Make Flying Start

West Indies opted to bat first and immediately put pressure on India's new-ball attack. John Campbell and Justin Greaves attacked the bowling during the opening overs, producing a rapid opening partnership.

Campbell scored 62 from 57 balls, while Greaves continued his excellent innings and reached his maiden ODI century. The pair added 135 runs for the opening wicket and put West Indies in a position where a total beyond 330 appeared possible.

Kuldeep Changes the Course of the Innings

India needed a breakthrough and Kuldeep Yadav provided it soon after the drinks break. Campbell top-edged a tossed-up delivery from the left-arm wrist-spinner and was caught by Prasidh Krishna at short fine leg.

That wicket changed the momentum of the innings. Kaecy Carty struggled to accelerate, scoring 13 from 31 balls, while Kuldeep continued to apply pressure through the middle overs.

He later removed West Indies captain Shai Hope before producing the decisive double-wicket maiden. Greaves was trapped lbw after completing his century, while Jewel Andrew followed after edging a superb delivery to Rohit Sharma at first slip.

Amir Jangoo Provides Late Acceleration

West Indies were in danger of falling well short of their potential total, but Amir Jangoo revived the innings during the final 10 overs.

Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58 from only 43 deliveries. He attacked India's fast bowlers at the death and scored 50 of his runs from just 27 balls during the final phase.

His late assault helped West Indies reach 295 for 7, a total that offered India some work to do but was significantly lower than the score the visitors had appeared capable of producing earlier.

Kuldeep Finishes With Four Wickets

Kuldeep was the standout bowler for India, finishing with 4 for 40 from his 10 overs. His spell not only produced wickets but also reduced West Indies' scoring rate during the crucial middle overs.

Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets for 60 runs, while the other Indian bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies top order early in the innings.

Gill and Rohit Give India a Fast Start

India's chase began aggressively. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 70 runs during the Powerplay, putting the hosts firmly ahead of the required rate.

Rohit eventually fell for 32 from 35 balls when Alzarri Joseph had him caught at deep square leg. His dismissal brought Virat Kohli to the crease, and the veteran immediately adopted an attacking approach.

Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs

Kohli reached another major milestone during his innings, becoming only the fourth batter to score 15,000 runs in men's ODI cricket. He also became the fastest batter to reach the landmark.

Rather than slowing down after reaching the milestone, Kohli continued to attack. He repeatedly found the boundary and eventually completed his 55th ODI century from only 74 deliveries.

His unbeaten 139 came from 88 balls and included 10 fours and nine sixes. The nine sixes were the most Kohli has hit in a single ODI innings.

Gill Produces Another Home ODI Century

At the other end, Gill produced another authoritative performance in front of the home crowd. The India captain reached his 10th ODI century from 96 balls and controlled the chase with a combination of timing and calculated aggression.

Gill eventually fell for 110 from 108 deliveries when Roston Chase dismissed him, but by then India required only a small number of runs to complete the chase.

Kohli Finishes the Chase in Style

Kohli remained unbeaten and took responsibility for finishing the match. He struck two more sixes in the 42nd over to complete India's chase at 300 for 2 after 41.4 overs.

The eight-wicket victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and continued their strong ODI run at home.

A Special Night for Kohli

The match became another significant chapter in Kohli's ODI career. Alongside reaching 15,000 runs and scoring his 55th century, he produced one of his most aggressive ODI innings in recent years.

Kohli later spoke about playing with freedom and enjoying the opportunity to represent India. He also emphasised that his focus remains on contributing to the team rather than chasing individual milestones.

Gill Praises Kuldeep and Kohli

Gill credited Kuldeep's middle-overs spell for changing the direction of the match. He said West Indies had looked capable of reaching 340 or 350 after their opening partnership, but India's bowlers managed to restrict them below 300.

Gill also praised Kohli's current approach, noting the veteran batter's freedom and ability to clear the boundary regularly while still controlling his innings.

Second ODI in Guwahati

India now lead the three-match ODI series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, with West Indies needing a much stronger bowling performance if they are to level the series.

For India, the opening match provided contributions across both departments: Kuldeep's four-wicket spell stopped West Indies from reaching a much larger total, while centuries from Gill and Kohli made the chase remarkably straightforward.