Kohli Joins Tendulkar as Only Player to Reach 15,000 ODI Runs

A milestone reached

Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 139 in India's first ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, a knock that carried two significant milestones. It was his record-extending 55th ODI century, and it took his career tally past 15,000 ODI runs, making him only the second batter in history to reach that mark after Sachin Tendulkar.

The achievement came in Kohli's 303rd ODI innings, far fewer than the 377 innings Tendulkar needed, though Tendulkar's career total of 18,426 ODI runs still sits well clear of Kohli's mark.

Gill and Kohli share the chase

Kohli was not alone in his big innings. Captain Shubman Gill scored 110, his tenth ODI century, and the pair put on 151 runs for the second wicket as India chased down West Indies' total of 296 with 50 balls to spare. Kohli finished the job in style, hitting the winning six, his ninth maximum of an 88-ball innings.

Asked about the milestone afterward, Kohli kept the focus on the team rather than the numbers: "My focus has never really been on these milestones. I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position." Looking ahead, he added, "We're a year away from the World Cup. Whatever games we get, I just need to keep working on different aspects of the game."

West Indies' effort wasn't enough

Earlier in the day, West Indies had posted a competitive 295 for 7, built on a 135-run opening stand between Justin Greaves, who made 101, and John Campbell, who scored 62. India's bowling was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who took 4 for 40, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries, and was named player of the match.

The series continues with the second ODI on Wednesday in Guwahati, where India will look to close out the series with the momentum of Kohli's historic knock behind them.