Virat Kohli returned to ODI cricket in style, smashing an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls to lead India to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match in Thiruvananthapuram. During this dominant masterclass, the 37-year-old crossed the historic milestone of 15,000 ODI runs, becoming only the second batter in history after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve the feat.
Despite the monumental milestone, Kohli emphasized that personal records take a back seat to team requirements. Speaking to broadcasters after the match, he noted that his primary focus remains on reading match situations and delivering when the team needs him most.
The last year has witnessed Kohli evolve his white-ball game, embracing a new challenge to score at a higher clip and unlock a fresh phase in his career. With the ODI World Cup just over a year away, the veteran batter is focused on sharpening his intensity, running hard between the wickets, and enjoying every moment on the field.

