Exciting to unlock a new version at this stage of my career: Virat Kohli

Thiruvananthapuram: Virat Kohli added another remarkable chapter to his ODI career on Sunday, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 15,000 runs in the format. He reached the milestone during Indian cricket team’s first ODI against the West Indies here, getting there with a boundary off Alzarri Joseph.

Kohli’s landmark came in a match he went on to dominate. After reaching 15,000 ODI runs, the former India captain remained unbeaten on 139 off 88 balls, smashing 10 fours and nine sixes. His century, completed in 74 deliveries, was his 55th in ODIs and his 10th against the West Indies.

The significance of the 15,000-run mark was heightened by the manner in which Kohli reached it. He achieved the feat in his 303rd ODI innings, considerably fewer than Tendulkar’s 377, making him the fastest batter to the landmark in terms of innings.

But Kohli said milestones were not what drove him, preferring to focus on adapting his game and contributing to the team. “My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It's just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team,” he told the broadcaster after the match.

“Achievements come along, obviously I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position for having played for so long. And, yeah, just keeping my head down, working hard and thanking God for everything that I've been blessed with.”

His innings also reflected a more aggressive approach that Kohli has been working on at this stage of his career.

“I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear to higher end,” he said. “Yeah, that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career.”

Kohli added that the approach could benefit him across formats and competitions. “It’s really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that’s what’s working for me,” he said, adding that the evolution would eventually help him “be it playing for India or in the IPL.”

Kohli's achievement came as India produced a commanding all-round performance to begin the three-match series on a winning note. West Indies, batting first, posted 295 for seven, with Justin Greaves scoring 101 and John Campbell contributing 62. Kuldeep Yadav was India's most successful bowler, returning figures of four for 40.

India’s chase was then shaped by hundreds from captain Shubman Gill and Kohli. Gill, who was dropped early in his innings, made 110 off 108 balls, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 139. The pair added 151 runs, putting India firmly in control after Rohit Sharma’s brisk 32. India eventually reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs to win by eight wickets.

The match also produced a rare statistical landmark, with six ODI centuries scored across three international matches on September 27. Kohli, Gill and Greaves were among the centurions in Thiruvananthapuram.

For Kohli, however, the day was about more than another century. By crossing 15,000 ODI runs, he joined Tendulkar in an exclusive club and moved firmly into the second position on the all-time ODI run-scoring list, with Tendulkar’s 18,426 remaining the benchmark.

Tags : Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sachin Tendulkar, West Indies, ODI, Indian cricket team