Thiruvananthapuram: Virat Kohli continued his remarkable run of ODI milestones by scoring his 55th century against West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium on September 27. His unbeaten 139 helped India chase down a target of 296 with eight wickets in hand and also saw him equal a significant record held by legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar.

Kohli’s century was part of a memorable outing in which he also crossed the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket and became the highest run-scorer in ODIs on Indian soil. His latest achievement further extended his list of records in the 50-over format.

Kohli equals Gavaskar’s record against West Indies

Kohli’s 139 not out was his 13th ODI century against West Indies. With that hundred, he equalled Gavaskar’s record for the most ODI centuries against the Caribbean side.

Gavaskar scored 13 centuries in 38 ODI appearances against West Indies. Kohli reached the same number of centuries in his 74th ODI against the opposition.

The achievement adds another chapter to Kohli’s long-standing record against West Indies. Before the ongoing series, he had already scored more than 2,200 ODI runs against the Caribbean team.

Kohli’s latest hundred also came in a dominant chase. He remained unbeaten throughout India’s innings, allowing him to finish the match with another significant individual landmark alongside the team’s victory.

Kohli reaches 15,000 ODI runs

The first ODI against West Indies was also the match in which Kohli became only the second batter in ODI history to score 15,000 runs.

He reached the landmark in his 303rd ODI innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record for reaching the mark in 377 innings. Tendulkar remains the leading run-scorer in ODI history with 18,426 runs.

Kohli entered the match needing 59 runs to cross 15,000 ODI runs. He achieved the milestone during his innings before going on to complete another century.

The milestone further strengthened his position at No. 2 on the all-time ODI run-scoring list.

Kohli surpasses Tendulkar for ODI runs in India

Kohli also moved past Tendulkar for the most ODI runs scored on Indian soil.

His innings took his tally in home ODIs to 7,006 runs, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous mark of 6,976 runs.

The record is another indication of Kohli’s consistency in home conditions. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a defining feature of his ODI career.

The 139 against West Indies also extended his record for the most runs scored without being dismissed at a single venue in ODI cricket, taking his tally at the Greenfield International Stadium to 338 runs.

55th ODI century extends Kohli’s record

Kohli’s 55th ODI century further increased the gap between him and other active batters in the format.

His unbeaten 139 came from only 88 balls and included 10 fours and nine sixes. He joined Shubman Gill after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 32 and remained at the crease until India completed the chase.

Gill also produced a century, scoring 110, as India reached 300 for 2 in 41.4 overs.

The partnership and individual performances ensured that India comfortably chased West Indies’ total of 295 for 7.

Kohli moves closer to another Tendulkar landmark

The latest century also moved Kohli closer to another major record associated with Tendulkar.

Kohli is now level with Tendulkar on 59 List A centuries and is one century away from surpassing the batting great for the most international centuries scored at home, according to the NDTV report.

Before the match, Kohli had 54 ODI centuries, 79 fifties and 14,941 ODI runs at an average of 58.59. His highest ODI score remains 183.

The 55th hundred therefore added several statistical milestones to an already significant innings.

India take early lead in ODI series

Kohli and Gill’s centuries helped India begin the three-match ODI series against West Indies with an eight-wicket victory.

West Indies posted 295 for 7 after being asked to bat first in Thiruvananthapuram. India then reached 300 for 2 in 41.4 overs to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.

Kohli’s unbeaten 139 was the highest individual score of the match, while Gill contributed 110. India’s bowlers had earlier restricted the visitors to a competitive but ultimately insufficient total.

The second ODI is scheduled to be played in Guwahati on September 30, with the third match set for October 3 in New Chandigarh.