India could hardly have asked for a better start to their preparations for the India 2027 World Cup. Shubman Gill’s side opened the three-match series against the West Indies with an eight-wicket win at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
Chasing 296, India reached 300/2 in only 41.4 overs, leaving 50 balls unused. Captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli both scored centuries, while Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket spell earlier in the day helped India recover from a strong West Indies start.
The result also gave India an early boost as they begin what is expected to be an important period of ODI planning ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
West Indies Make Strong Start Before Kuldeep Turns It Around
The West Indies looked in control during the opening half of their innings. Justin Greaves and John Campbell added 135 runs for the first wicket, putting pressure on India’s bowlers and creating the possibility of a much bigger total. Campbell scored 62 from 60 balls, while Greaves continued after his opening partner departed and reached his maiden ODI century. The opener made 101 from 108 deliveries, including 12 fours.
However, India’s spin attack changed the game. Kuldeep Yadav, returning to the ODI side, removed Campbell before also accounting for Greaves, Shai Hope and Jewel Andrew. He finished with 4/40 from his 10 overs. The West Indies eventually finished on 295/7. Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten 58 from 43 balls gave the visitors some late momentum, but India had enough runs to chase down.
Gill and Kohli Make the Chase Look Easy
India’s reply was far more straightforward than the target suggested. Shubman Gill led the way with a composed 110, while Virat Kohli produced the most eye-catching innings of the chase. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls and hit nine sixes, the highest number of sixes he has struck in a single ODI innings.
The pair added 151 runs for the second wicket and took the game away from the West Indies. Gill eventually fell, but Kohli stayed until the end and finished the match with a six. For Gill, the century was another important innings in his development as India’s ODI captain. For Kohli, it was a performance filled with milestones.
Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
Kohli crossed the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket during his unbeaten 139. He became only the second batter to reach the landmark, following Sachin Tendulkar. His century was also his 55th in ODIs and his 60th List A hundred, putting him level with Tendulkar for the most List A centuries.
More importantly for India, Kohli’s innings came immediately after he publicly confirmed that the 2027 World Cup will be his final World Cup for the country. Speaking on September 26, Kohli said the tournament would be his last and that winning the World Cup was his motivation. He has already retired from Test and T20I cricket and now plays only ODIs for India.
Rohit and Kohli Add Experience to India 2027 World Cup Plans
The West Indies series also marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Kohli to India’s ODI setup. Shubman Gill remains the captain, while Rohit and Kohli provide two of the most experienced players in the squad.
Rohit has also made his World Cup intentions clear. With the 2027 tournament approaching, he said he remains motivated by the prospect of another World Cup campaign and that there is still plenty to look forward to while he continues playing.
Their presence gives India an interesting mix of experience and younger players. The challenge over the coming months will be to build a settled group around them while giving enough opportunities to players who could become part of the 2027 squad.
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Why the West Indies Series Matters for the India 2027 World Cup
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel had already described the West Indies series as the beginning of the team’s World Cup build-up. He stressed that the standards needed for the tournament cannot be raised only a few weeks before the competition.
That makes the opening win significant beyond the result itself. India tested its batting depth, saw Kuldeep make an immediate impact on his return and watched Gill and Kohli put together a match-winning partnership.
There is still a long road ahead, with more ODIs scheduled before the World Cup. But the first step has been taken in convincing fashion. India now lead the series 1-0, with two matches remaining. The immediate target will be to finish the West Indies series strongly, while the larger objective remains clear: develop a reliable ODI combination before the 2027 World Cup begins.
