Virat Kohli Touches Down in Thiruvananthapuram Ahead of ODI Series Against West Indies

Virat Kohli has made a grand entrance in Thiruvananthapuram as he prepares for the first ODI against the West Indies on September 27. His arrival has generated significant excitement among fans, marking his return to Kerala after three years. Kohli's presence at the airport was met with cheers, and he was warmly welcomed at the team hotel. With a stellar track record at the Greenfields International Stadium, fans are eager to see him in action again. As he focuses on ODIs, Kohli aims to extend his cricketing legacy leading up to the 2027 World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 21:03 IST

Kohli Arrives in Kerala for ODI Series

Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has landed in Thiruvananthapuram in preparation for the first One Day International (ODI) match of the three-match series against the West Indies, set to commence on September 27.

The Indian team, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will kick off the series at the Greenfields International Stadium, marking a significant return of international cricket to this venue. Kohli was the first player to arrive in Kerala, with the rest of the squad expected to follow on Thursday.

Warm Welcome for Kohli at the Airport

Kohli's arrival at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport was met with excitement from fans eager to see the cricketing icon. After a two-month hiatus from competitive cricket, he expressed his eagerness to practice and prepare for the upcoming match.

A video circulating on social media captured Kohli leaving the airport, surrounded by security personnel, as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of him.

Fans Celebrate Kohli's Return

Upon reaching the team hotel, Kohli was greeted warmly by the staff, who draped a traditional Kerala kasavu shawl around him. His presence in Thiruvananthapuram is a testament to his legendary status in cricket, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic reactions.

Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with messages from fans celebrating Kohli's return to Kerala, with many referring to him as the 'King' and 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time).

Kohli's Impressive Track Record in Kerala

Kohli has previously played two ODIs at the Greenfields International Stadium, amassing 199 runs, including a remarkable unbeaten 166 against Sri Lanka in 2023. Since 2025, he has participated in 19 ODIs, scoring 1,035 runs with an impressive average of 64.68.

With his focus now solely on ODIs following his retirement from T20Is and Tests, Kohli aims to extend his cricketing career through the 2027 World Cup.