Kohli becomes fastest to 15,000 ODI runs, breaks Tendulkar’s record

Virat Kohli added another milestone to his remarkable ODI career today (27 September), becoming the fastest batter to reach 15,000 runs in the format during India’s first ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kohli reached the landmark with a half-century, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the fastest 15,000 ODI runs. Tendulkar needed 377 innings to reach the mark, while Kohli achieved it in his 303rd innings.

Kohli is now the second batter to cross 15,000 runs in ODI cricket.

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav produced a four-wicket spell to restrict West Indies to 295 for seven after the visitors appeared set for a much bigger total.

Justin Greaves struck his maiden ODI century, scoring 101 from 108 balls, while John Campbell made 62 from 60 as the pair put together a 135-run opening stand in 19.2 overs.

The West Indies made rapid progress during the opening phase, but Kuldeep changed the course of the innings with a series of important wickets.

Campbell had reached his half-century from 49 balls after attacking Ravindra Jadeja, but Kuldeep eventually outfoxed him with a fuller delivery following two balls outside off. The opener attempted a sweep but sent the ball towards mid-on, where Prasidh Krishna completed the catch.

Kuldeep then removed West Indies captain Shai Hope, who misread a change in the bowler’s line and holed out to Jadeja near point.

The spinner struck again twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Greaves and Jewel Andrew to leave West Indies struggling at 198 for five after being 176 for one.

Greaves was trapped leg before wicket after missing a sweep, while Andrew edged a googly towards Rohit Sharma at first slip.

Amir Jangoo then steadied the innings with useful partnerships, adding 48 with Roston Chase and 38 with Matthew Forde.

Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58 and attacked the Indian pace attack with a series of pulls, helping West Indies move close to the 300-run mark.

Greaves had earlier dominated the opening exchanges, reaching his fifty from 42 balls and completing his century off 104 deliveries.

He punished Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second over, striking four boundaries, including two well-timed drives, as West Indies raced beyond six runs an over during the first 20 overs.

Jangoo also reached his fifty quickly, taking only 38 balls. He brought up the milestone with a six over cow corner off Gurnoor Brar.

India were without several regular pace options, with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh away at the Asian Games in Japan and Varun Chakravarthy recovering from injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.