The Greenfield International Stadium erupted on Sunday, not just for a win, but for a career-defining number. Virat Kohli walked off with 139 off 88 balls, a knock that officially put him past the 15,000-run mark in One Day Internationals. It wasn't just a milestone; it was a statement. India chased 296 with 50 balls left to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series with two wickets in hand.
The partnership was electric. Shubman Gill and Kohli shared 151 runs before Gill fell, leaving Kohli to close out the chase in style. Gill, who scored his seventh ODI century, dismissed the idea that he should have finished the game. Instead, he pointed to Kohli’s current form, describing him as "playing with freedom." The captain’s praise was specific: Kohli isn't just hitting boundaries; he is clearing them with a rhythmic ease that suggests he has unlocked a new gear.
But the match wasn't always under India’s control. West Indies openers Justin Greaves and John Campbell strangled the middle overs, piling on 135 runs before the breakthrough. That’s when Kuldeep Yadav stepped in. Four for 40. He didn’t just take wickets; he shifted the momentum. Gill credited Kuldeep with pulling India back from the brink, noting that at one stage, keeping the hosts under 300 felt like a luxury, not a target.
The win doesn't just improve the series tally; it reinforces India’s depth. Gill admitted the team wants an eighth batting option, someone who can add 20-30 runs to stabilize the middle order. For now, though, the focus remains on Kohli. As Gill put it, you let a player of that caliber be himself, and on the day, he will win matches for you.