India began their three-match ODI series against West Indies in commanding fashion, chasing down a target of 296 with eight wickets in hand in just 41.4 overs at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The victory was powered by centuries from captain Shubman Gill and a senior batter Virat Kohli, who produced an unbeaten masterclass to take the game away from the visitors. The performance also brought several major personal milestones, prompting an emotional message from his sister.
Bhawna Kohli Dhingra celebrates her brother’s remarkable outing
Virat’s sister Bhawna Kohli Dhingra took to Instagram to celebrate her brother’s spectacular innings against West Indies. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 from only 88 deliveries, playing a key role in India’s emphatic run chase. Sharing her reaction through an Instagram story, Bhawna wrote: “Reaching a milestone Making a century Making India win. Just another day at office Always super proud of you veeru.”
Her message came after Kohli produced another memorable ODI performance, combining his trademark ability to find boundaries with an aggressive approach that kept India’s chase firmly under control. The innings included 10 fours and a career-best nine sixes in an ODI innings. Kohli also brought up his 55th ODI century from just 74 balls, extending his record as the batter with the most centuries in the format.
Virat Kohli crosses major ODI landmark
The century was significant beyond the match itself as Kohli also crossed the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket. He became only the second player in history to reach the landmark after legendary former India batter Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli’s unbeaten 139 was also central to a 151-run partnership with captain Gill. The pair took control of the chase after India had made a solid start with a 74-run opening stand. Gill continued his impressive run with a composed 110 from 108 balls before Roston Chase dismissed him in the 34th over. His century ensured India had the platform required for Kohli to launch the decisive assault during the latter stages of the chase.
Also READ: IND vs WI: Cricket fraternity bows down to Virat Kohli as India star hits 55th ODI century
Kuldeep Yadav’s spell sets up India’s big win
Earlier, West Indies posted 295/7 after being asked to bat first. Justin Greaves led the way with his maiden ODI century, scoring 101, while John Campbell contributed 62 to give the hosts a competitive total. However, India’s bowlers managed to restrict the West Indies’ momentum during the middle overs. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was particularly influential, finishing with figures of 4/40 and earning the Player of the Match award.
His spell helped India keep the target within reach before the batters took over. Once the chase began, the opening partnership provided stability before Gill and Kohli accelerated the scoring. With Kohli finishing unbeaten on 139 and Gill contributing 110, India completed the chase in only 41.4 overs. The result gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the ODI series, while Kohli’s latest landmark-filled innings provided another memorable chapter in his long international career.
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