Shubman Gill Reflects on Century as India Dominates West Indies in First ODI

In a thrilling first ODI, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli led India to an impressive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. Gill expressed some regret over his dismissal but was pleased with his century. Kohli's remarkable unbeaten 139 runs showcased his form, while Kuldeep Yadav's four wickets turned the game in India's favor. The match highlights India's strong start in the three-match series, with both Gill and Kohli playing pivotal roles in the chase. Discover more about their performances and the team's strategy moving forward.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 28, 2026, 00:46 IST

India's Commanding Victory in First ODI

Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], September 27: After scoring a fluent century against the West Indies in the opening ODI, Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed some regret over his dismissal, feeling he could have completed the chase but was nonetheless pleased with his performance.

With Virat Kohli's impressive century alongside Gill's solid hundred, India secured a convincing eight-wicket win over the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday.

Gill commended Kuldeep Yadav for his pivotal role in the match, taking crucial wickets when India faced pressure, labeling him a natural wicket-taker.

He also praised Kohli's current form, noting that the seasoned batsman is playing with great enjoyment and freedom, effectively utilizing his ability to hit boundaries. Gill acknowledged that Kohli has earned the liberty to play his game after contributing significantly to India's victories.

Furthermore, Gill mentioned that the team is aiming to cultivate an eighth batting option capable of contributing around 25 runs, indicating their willingness to experiment with various combinations.

“When I got out, I thought I should have finished it. But it was a very satisfying innings. Someone like Kuldeep, if he’s bowling, he’s a wicket-taker. We were under pressure, and he brought us back into the game with crucial wickets. Regarding Kohli’s batting, he’s playing superbly; he’s enjoying the game a lot more. He’s playing with freedom. He always has the ability to clear the boundary. He’s won so many matches for the country; you want him to play however he wants to. We would want an eighth batting option who can contribute around 25 runs. We are open to trying different combinations,” Gill stated post-match.

Kohli finished the match unbeaten with a remarkable 139 runs off 88 balls, hitting 11 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 153.40, while Ruturaj Gaikwad remained not out on 13 off 19 balls.

Chasing a target of 296, India reached 300/2 in just 41.4 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Captain Gill played a significant role in the chase, scoring 110 runs off 108 balls, including 13 fours and a six.

Yadav emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets and earning the Player of the Match title for his exceptional bowling performance. He acknowledged the batting efforts of Gill and Kohli while expressing that receiving the award felt somewhat awkward.

Yadav shared his satisfaction with his rhythm and composure, trusting his instincts and bowling according to his feelings during the match. He noted that this performance has helped him regain confidence, although he emphasized the need for further improvement.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a good bowling flow, stating that when he finds his rhythm, everything tends to fall into place.

“I really appreciated the batting from Shubman and Virat bhai. It feels awkward to receive this award. I liked my rhythm; I was very calm. I just bowled whatever I felt like bowling. It’s good to regain confidence. I still believe there’s a lot to improve. It’s all about bowling flow. When you’re in good flow, everything looks good,” Yadav remarked after the match.

This victory marked an excellent start for India in the three-match series, highlighted by Kohli's record-setting innings and Gill's century, which dominated the chase after Kuldeep's four-wicket haul limited the West Indies to a subpar total despite their strong beginning.