India began their chase of 296 against West Indies in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram with clear intent and composure. Openers Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill walked out under lights and immediately
set a positive tone on a good batting surface. The pair raced to 70 without loss by the end of the powerplay. The Indian captain looked particularly fluent, timing the ball sweetly through the covers and pulling anything short, while Rohit mixed classic drives with the occasional trademark six over midwicket.
Their partnership offered the perfect platform after West Indies had posted a competitive 295 for 7, on the back of a century from Justin Greaves. Chasing the target, India got off to a brilliant start before Rohit eventually fell for 32, but by then the foundation was solid. Gill continued in good touch and completed his half-century with Virat Kohli joining him at the crease. The pair put on another partnership and India are looking firmly in control early in the second innings.
WATCH:Justin Greaves smashes maiden ODI hundred as West Indies take control against India
Netizens praise Shubman Gill’s classy Half-Century
Twitter was full of praise for the Indian openers after a great powerplay. Fans praised the cracking start and positive intent from the openers, noting how Gill and Rohit had given India the much-needed platform after a strong West Indies total. Some of the posts highlighted the composure of the Indian top order and the there were plenty of clips from Rohit Sharma’s boundaries that went viral quickly
Most 6s against WI in ODI
40 – AB Devilliers
38 – Rohit Sharma*
28 – MS Dhoni#INDvsWI https://t.co/2R8zFGBFQf
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) September 27, 2026
ROHIT SHARMA – THE GOAT SIX HITTER. 🐐🙇 https://t.co/O06ZtGShUY
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 27, 2026
ENTRY OF THE GOAT IN KERALA, King Kohli 🐐 https://t.co/77rTAT4qS4
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 27, 2026
– Fifty Vs AFG in 1st ODI.
– Hundred Vs AFG in 2nd ODI.
– Fifty Vs ENG in 1st ODI.
– Fifty Vs ENG in 3rd ODI.
– Fifty Vs WI in 1st ODI.5TH FIFTY PLUS SCORES IN LAST 6 ODI INNINGS FOR CAPTAIN SHUBMAN GILL. ⭐ https://t.co/cYbd1WlXio
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 27, 2026
🔴SHUBMAN GILL PERFORMANCE IN ODI IN 2026:
– Runs: 618
– Avg: 102
– Strike Rate: 100
– 50s/100s: 6/1Prince follow King Path..!! 🐐 https://t.co/f5O43SYDqN
— Sam (@cricsam02) September 27, 2026
SHUBMAN GILL HUGE SIX! https://t.co/xi6suLvPsl
— Rehan 56 (@imrehan056) September 27, 2026
Clips of the boundaries and the unbroken partnership went quickly, with Indian fans joyed over the exhibition of sublime timings. Fans also praised the half century from Indian captain Shubman Gill and the consistency he has shown in this format. Virat Kohli also started his innings with a very positive start and the early stages of India’s reply left fans confident that the hosts were well placed to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
