Virat Kohli a player to watch as India begin ODI series against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram
India will begin a three-match ODI series against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026, part of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Virat Kohli, whose last ODI appearance came against England in July and who scored 65 and 74 in the final two matches of that series, will be one of the biggest names to watch.
The series forms part of India’s build-up for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill will lead India in the three-match set while experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in the squad. India will use the matches to test players and build the squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Kohli’s 2026 ODI numbers provide the first reason for expectation: he has scored 384 runs in six matches at an average of 64.00. Those returns include one century and three half-centuries, a highest score of 124 and a strike rate of 106.66. After registering scores of 65 and 74 in his last two ODIs against England in July, he will now look to continue that form against the West Indies.
His record in Indian conditions offers a second reason for optimism. Kohli has accumulated 6,867 runs in 130 ODIs at an average of 62.42. On home soil he has registered 27 centuries and 36 half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 166, and the Thiruvananthapuram venue gives him another opportunity to add to those numbers.
Kohli’s history versus the West Indies supplies a third factor in his favour: he has played 43 ODIs against them and scored 2,261 runs at an average of 66.50. That tally includes nine centuries and 11 half-centuries, with a top score of an unbeaten 157. He has also scored more ODI runs against West Indies than any other Indian batter, underlining his status as a key player for India in the series.
The three-match ODI series between India and West Indies begins on September 27, 2026, and will form part of India’s final preparations as they build toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.
