On September 27, 2026, India achieved a dominant all-round performance against the West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram with an eight-wicket victory. Kuldeep Yadav's excellent bowling in the first innings and Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli's centuries in the chase helped to anchor the victory.
Kuldeep Yadav turns the game around
West Indies appeared to be in a strong position when they were asked to bat first. Justin Greaves and John Campbell scored 135 runs for the first wicket, Campbell scoring 62 and Greaves 101.
However, Kuldeep Yadav changed the momentum with a good spell. The left-arm wrist-spinner took 4/40 from 10 overs and broke the West Indies’ middle-order resistance and prevented the hosts from facing a much larger target.
Greaves’ first ODI century helped West Indies to 295/7 in 50 overs while Amir Jangoo remained on 58. Despite such a big start, Kuldeep’s breakthroughs ensured India had a manageable target to chase.
Gill Leads India's Chase
India began the chase aggressively, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored 74 runs for the opening wicket. Rohit scored 32 before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph.
Gill then took charge alongside Virat Kohli. The Indian captain scored 110 from 108 balls, including 13 fours and a six. Gill became the 10th ODI century to his name, and another notable achievement in his long career in the game.
Gill and Kohli produced a 151-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from West Indies.
The bat raise, the roar, the milestone 👏👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 27, 2026
A Virat Kohli show in Thiruvananthapuram 🍿
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Kohli Completes another ODI Masterclass
Virat Kohli was the star of the chase and remained unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls. His innings included 10 fours and nine sixes and he completed his 55th ODI century.
The century also saw Kohli become the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. His aggressive approach ensured India never allowed the West Indies bowlers to build pressure.
India Seals Comfortable Victory
India managed to win 300/2 in 41.4 overs and had 50 balls left. Kohli remained unbeaten and Gill's century laid the foundation of the successful chase.
The first ODI therefore had three Indian players: Kuldeep Yadav with the ball, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli with the bat. India now leads the three-match series 1-0.
Match Score
- West Indies: 295/7 in 50 overs
- India: 300/2 in 41.4 overs
- Result: India won by 8 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4/40
- Shubman Gill: 110
- Virat Kohli: 139*
- Series: India leads 1-0
