'I promised myself ' - Virat Kohli reflects on aggressive approach after masterclass against West Indies

India secured an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI, successfully chasing down a 296-run target in Thiruvananthapuram. India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs to claim the win and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Virat Kohlidelivered a dominant unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, striking 10 fours and nine sixes in a performance that underlined his aggressive approach to the format. The 37-year-old, who has played cricket for two decades, marked his 55th ODI century with this

third-fastest ton in the format. With this unbeaten 139, Kohli also became the second batter in history to register 15,000 runs in one-dayers after Sachin Tendulkar, and he achieved this milestone as the fastest batter to reach the mark.

"I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear to higher end," Kohli told broadcasters.

How unlocking a new version of his game excites Kohli at this stage

Kohli explained how unlocking a new version of his batting approach has energised his game at this stage of his career. The batter has consciously worked on playing with greater freedom while maintaining the discipline required at the highest level.

"Yeah, that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help, you know, anything that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL. It's really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that's what's working for me," he added.

Kohli emphasised that personal milestones have never been his primary focus, and that team success remains his guiding principle. He reflected on his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India after a career spanning two decades.

"My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It's just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever, you know. Achievements come along, obviously I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position for having played for so long. And, yeah, just keeping my head down, working hard and thanking God for everything that I've been blessed with," Kohli said.

The batter highlighted the connection between physical fitness and his ability to execute aggressive cricket without recklessness. He stressed that maintaining peak physical condition allows him to visualise and execute his game plan effectively.

"I promised myself I'm going to play positively because I can," Kohli said.

Fitness and freedom as the foundation of aggressive cricket

Kohli expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to play for India and represent his country on the world stage. He spoke about the privilege of living out his childhood dreams through international cricket.

"I enjoy each and every minute that I'm out there playing for India because I understand that, as I said, you know, it could have been a possibility that I wouldn't be standing here. I wouldn't have played for India at all. That could have been my reality as well. But I'm getting to live all these amazing moments, representing my country, playing in front of such big crowds and doing the job for the team," he noted.

"As a cricket player, this is all that I dreamt of and I'm getting it. So I have nothing but gratitude in my heart. And as I said, I just want to put my head down, keep working hard, put a smile on my face and hopefully make other people smile too," he added.

Shubman Gill contributed 110 from 107 balls to the successful chase, adding 150 runs with Kohli for the second wicket. West Indies had posted 295 for seven in 50 overs, with Justin Greaves scoring his maiden ODI century.