Thiruvananthapuram, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Virat Kohli said milestones have never been his priority and that he is focused on challenging himself to develop a new version of his game after becoming only the second batter, after Sachin Tendulkar, to reach 15,000 ODI runs.
Kohli marked the landmark in emphatic fashion, smashing an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls — his 55th ODI century — as India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Speaking after the match, Kohli said he remained grateful for the opportunities that had taken him through a long international career.
“My focus has never really been on these milestones. It’s just understanding the situation and doing the job for the team. Achievements come along,” he said.
The 37-year-old, who now represents India only in ODIs, credited physical fitness and mental freshness for his consistency in the format.
“I think just the understanding of the game firstly, also at the stage that I’m at — just keeping myself physically very fit, because the game’s more or less in the mind,” Kohli said.
He added that he had challenged himself to increase his tempo and play a gear or two higher, describing the prospect of “unlocking a new version” of himself at this stage of his career as exciting.
Kohli said staying physically fit allowed him to play with a free mind and execute his plans without becoming reckless.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup a year away, he said playing a single international format had given him greater clarity about his goals. He wants to remain fit, maintain intensity in the field and continue improving different aspects of his game while enjoying every opportunity to represent India.
Kohli also praised captain Shubman Gill, with whom he added 151 runs for the second wicket. Gill scored 110 as India chased down the target comfortably.
“There’s a reason why he’s leading the team. He’s got the right perspective … to look at the game in the way that makes the team win from different situations,” Kohli said, describing Gill as “probably up there with the best players in the world”.
Kohli also advised young players to focus on their performance once they step onto the field rather than becoming distracted by matters outside the game.
“Once you enter the ground, this is everything, and it should be everything for you guys,” he said, urging youngsters to embrace challenges and put in the effort required to win matches.
FOLLOW NOW
