Kohli crosses 15,000 ODI runs with unbeaten 139 as India beat West Indies by eight wickets; Gill praises senior batter’s freedom and confidence
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 2026: Virat Kohli has said personal milestones have never been the driving force behind his long international career, insisting that his primary objective has always been to help India win matches from difficult situations.
Kohli made the remarks after producing another memorable performance in the first ODI against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium. The former India captain smashed an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, helping India chase down a target of 296 in 41.4 overs and secure an eight-wicket victory. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The innings also saw Kohli cross the 15,000-run mark in men's ODI cricket. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. His century was his 55th in the format and extended his record for most ODI hundreds.
Speaking in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli said the numbers were significant but had never been his primary motivation.
He explained that sustaining a long career was possible only when the focus remained on contributing to team victories. According to Kohli, prioritising personal statistics could eventually lead a player to compromise the larger objective of winning matches.
He described reaching 15,000 ODI runs while contributing to another Indian victory as particularly special, saying he was fortunate to have remained in international cricket for so long.
Kohli's innings was central to India's successful chase. After Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided India with a brisk start, Kohli joined Gill and the pair added 151 runs for the second wicket. Gill scored 110 from 108 balls, while Kohli accelerated dramatically towards the end of the chase.
The partnership also offered an insight into the relationship between Kohli and Gill, who is now India's ODI captain. Kohli said their camaraderie had remained relaxed and good-humoured since Gill entered the national team.
He said maintaining a light atmosphere was particularly important when senior players and leaders were involved. According to Kohli, when senior members of the side remained relaxed and continued to smile and laugh even during high-pressure matches, it helped younger players feel more comfortable.
Kohli said the approach did not mean taking the match lightly. Instead, he described it as a way of maintaining perspective while remaining professional on the field.
The senior batter also explained why batting with Gill required relatively little communication between the two. He said both players understood their respective roles and therefore did not need to discuss every aspect of the game while at the crease.
Kohli said he occasionally offered Gill suggestions based on his experience, particularly when the captain was attempting to attack the bowling. However, he added that more detailed exchanges often took place while fielding, when Gill, as captain, had several tactical matters to consider.
Kohli also praised Gill's understanding of the game, saying the captain's ability to assess situations and identify ways to help the team win was one reason he was suited to leadership.
Gill, meanwhile, said he was delighted to have been at the non-striker's end when Kohli reached the historic 15,000-run milestone.
The India captain said that while growing up he had watched and admired Kohli, and that he had never imagined he would eventually share the crease with him during such a landmark moment.
Gill said the experience of moving from idolising Kohli to playing alongside him had been special and that he hoped they would create more memorable moments together.
He also pointed to Kohli's current confidence and enjoyment while batting, saying the ease with which the senior batter was playing was visible both on and off the field.
Gill added that their banter and relaxed interaction contributed to the positive atmosphere within the team.
The first ODI thus produced milestones for both batters, but the result remained the central achievement for India. West Indies posted 295 for seven after Justin Greaves made 101, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets for India. Kohli and Gill then provided the major contributions in the chase as India reached 300 for two with 50 balls remaining.
For Kohli, however, the landmark was best viewed in the context of the team's victory. His message was that longevity in international cricket depends less on accumulating numbers and more on consistently finding ways to contribute when the team needs it most.
