Virat Kohli produced a sensational ODI performance in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026, smashing an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls to power India to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the series opener. His explosive innings featured 10 fours and nine sixes as India chased down 296 with ease, finishing on 300/2 in just 41.4 overs.
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen was among those who praised Kohli after the remarkable knock. Pietersen, who has recently taken up a specialist mentoring role with England’s white-ball setup, highlighted the extraordinary consistency Kohli has maintained throughout his ODI career.
“55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! 55?!?!?!?! Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games. He is a genius and I’m buzzing for him!” Pietersen wrote on X.
55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!!
55?!?!?!?!
Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games.
He Is A Genius and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 28, 2026
Kohli reached his century from only 74 deliveries, making it the third-fastest ODI hundred of his career. He brought up the landmark in spectacular fashion, dancing down the track against left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and launching the ball over long-on for a six.
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The century was Kohli’s 55th in ODI cricket, further extending his record for the most hundreds in the format. The innings also delivered another significant milestone as Kohli crossed 15,000 ODI runs, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve the feat.
Kohli reached the 15,000-run landmark in his 303rd ODI innings, while Tendulkar finished his illustrious ODI career with 18,426 runs. The milestone further underlined Kohli’s longevity and consistency in 50-over cricket.
The former India captain had scored his previous ODI century, his 54th, against New Zealand in Indore on January 18, 2026. Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008, and has since established himself as one of the format’s most prolific batters. At this stage of his career, Kohli is focusing solely on ODI cricket. His last Test appearance came against Australia on January 3, 2025, while his most recent T20I was against South Africa on June 29, 2024.
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India, led by Shubman Gill, took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the convincing victory. West Indies captain Shai Hope saw Justin Greaves score a century for the visitors, but the effort was not enough to prevent India from completing the chase comfortably. The second ODI will now provide the West Indies with an opportunity to level the series.
