New Delhi: Virat Kohli added another landmark to his remarkable ODI career by becoming the fastest batter to score 15,000 runs in the format. The Indian star reached the milestone during the first ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the quickest journey to the mark.
Kohli needed 59 runs before the match to overtake Tendulkar’s record. While Tendulkar reached 15,000 ODI runs in 377 innings, Kohli achieved the feat in just 303 innings. He is now the second player in ODI history to cross the 15,000 run mark.
Kohli finished the match unbeaten on 139 from 117 balls, smashing 10 fours and nine sixes, as India chased down West Indies’ 296 with eight wickets in hand. India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs to take a 1 0 lead in the three match series.
Kohli was involved in a spectacular 150 run partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who scored 110 from 107 balls. Gill registered his 10th ODI century, while Kohli brought up his 55th ODI hundred and 86th international century.
West Indies had posted 296, powered by Justin Greaves’ maiden ODI century. Greaves scored 101, but his effort was overshadowed by India’s dominant chase and Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive four wicket spell.
Gill and Rohit Sharma gave India a strong start with a 75 run opening partnership before Gill took charge alongside Kohli. Gill accelerated after surviving an early chance and reached his half century from 49 balls.
Kohli continued his trademark ODI chase, combining aggressive strokeplay with quick running between the wickets. He reached his century in 74 balls with a powerful six over mid wicket off Gudakesh Motie.
The emphatic victory gave India a winning start to the series, while Kohli’s latest milestone added another historic chapter to his ODI career.
