Virat Kohli Receives Rousing Reception From Fans in Stadium During IND vs WI 1st ODI 2026
Witness the electrifying moment as Virat Kohli receives a thunderous welcome at the Greenfield International Stadium during the India vs West Indies 1st ODI 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram. The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India and West Indies kicked off on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Thiruvananthapuram was a sea of blue today as cricket fans packed the Greenfield International Stadium, erupting in a deafening roar to welcome former captain Virat Kohli to the crease during the first One-Day International between India and West Indies. The atmosphere was electric, with the stadium coming alive in anticipation of another masterclass from the cricketing icon. Who is Naman Dhir? Know About MI All-Rounder Making India ODI Debut in IND vs WI Match.
The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India and West Indies kicked off on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the picturesque Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The match commenced at 2:00 PM IST. India, led by captain Shubman Gill, is hosting Shai Hope's West Indies side in what promises to be a captivating white-ball contest.
Kohli's Return and Milestones Beckon
Virat Kohli, aged 37, made his return to the ODI setup for this series. His entry was met with a thunderous ovation, a testament to his enduring popularity and impact on the game. Kohli is on the verge of another significant milestone, needing just 59 runs to join an elite club of batters with 15,000 runs in One-Day Internationals.
Kohli's record against the West Indies is particularly formidable. He is the highest run-scorer against the Caribbean side in ODIs, having amassed an impressive 2,261 runs, which includes nine centuries. His consistent performances against them underscore his importance to the Indian batting line-up.
Head-to-Head and Series Context
The rivalry between India and West Indies in ODI cricket has a rich history, with India holding a dominant recent record. Out of 142 matches played between the two nations, India has emerged victorious in 72 encounters, while West Indies have secured 64 wins. Two matches have ended in a tie, and four produced no result. India's strong run against West Indies includes not having lost a bilateral ODI series against them in their last 13 series, home or away, with West Indies' last series win dating back to 2006. This series also serves as crucial preparation for both teams with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. India vs West Indies Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, 1st ODI 2026.
Series Schedule and Broadcast Information
The three-match ODI series will continue after today's opener with the following fixtures:
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 27, 2026 | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram | 2:00 PM |
| 2nd ODI | September 30, 2026 | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 2:00 PM |
| 3rd ODI | October 3, 2026 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh | 2:00 PM |
In India, the live telecast of the India vs West Indies 2026 ODI series is available on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming accessible via the JioHotstar app and website.
The thunderous welcome for Virat Kohli sets the tone for an exciting series. Fans will be eager to see if the cricketing legend can achieve his personal milestone while contributing to an Indian victory in the series opener, further solidifying India's dominance over the West Indies in the 50-over format.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2026 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).