Great Victories do not only happen when you emerge on the right side of the result, but rather when your own teammates or colleagues take apart in your success and treat your success as their own.
Last
evening, the thrilling win over the West Indies which India made look like a relatively easy job saw something special. At the end of the contest, with Gaikwad celebrating the success of not just the win of the Indian team, but of Virat Kohli sensational batting efforts, was something so special and nice to follow.
Even as the West Indies produced a competitive total of 295 for 7 in the opening ODI against India in Thiruvananthapuram, the contest ultimately belonged to one man. By the end of the evening, India had raced to 300 and completed the chase in just 41.4 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory with more than eight overs to spare.
There are victories, and then there are statement victories. This was undoubtedly the latter.
Leading the charge was Virat Kohli, who once again reminded the cricketing world why he remains one of the greatest white-ball batters of all time. The former India captain produced a breathtaking innings of 139 from just 88 deliveries, combining exquisite timing with effortless power as he dismantled the West Indies bowling attack.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Instagram story with Virat Kohli 💛😍 pic.twitter.com/ufu1Z6MLal
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2026
The innings was significant for more than one reason. Kohli not only registered his 55th ODI century, extending his remarkable record in the format, but also crossed the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs. Fittingly, he reached both his half-century and century with towering sixes, much to the delight of the packed crowd in Thiruvananthapuram.
What made the knock even more special was the appreciation it drew from within the Indian camp. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who claimed two important wickets earlier in the day, summed up the feeling shared by many when he remarked that watching Kohli bat was “simply unbelievable.”
Among those who appeared particularly delighted was Ruturaj Gaikwad. Taking to Instagram after the match, the stylish batter shared moments from the memorable chase, including a photograph of himself and Kohli batting together during the closing stages of India’s victory. Gaikwad also posted the image of Kohli raising his bat after reaching yet another ODI century, a gesture that reflected both admiration and appreciation for a truly special innings.
The images captured more than just a winning moment. They highlighted a rare opportunity for a younger member of the Indian side to witness one of the game’s modern greats at his commanding best from the non-striker’s end.
Kohli’s innings featured 10 fours and 9 sixes and never allowed the West Indies bowlers an opportunity to regain control. Alongside captain Shubman Gill, who also registered a century, he ensured that what had initially appeared a challenging target was reduced to a straightforward chase.
With two ODIs still remaining in the series, including the next encounter on September 30, India will head into the contest full of confidence. Judging by the manner in which the hosts dominated the run chase, the West Indies will need something extraordinary to halt India’s momentum.
For now, however, the spotlight firmly belongs to Virat Kohli — and to an innings that not only entertained thousands in the stands but also left his own teammates celebrating the occasion from the best seat in the house.
At the end of the day, both talents batting together and emerging on the right side of the result to take their team home and over the ropes against the West Indies was a great highlight for Ruturaj, specially speaking. And with that, the win that came along!
