Kohli Returns For ODI Series
Virat Kohli Arrives in Thiruvananthapuram to Join India Squad for ODI Series
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Key Points
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Virat Kohli has scored 199 runs in two ODIs at Greenfield International Stadium, including an unbeaten 166 against Sri Lanka in 2023. He has also scored 1,035 ODI runs in 19 matches since 2025, at an average of 64.68.
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Kohli returned to Kerala after three years and had been away from competitive cricket for two months; reports said he was keen to resume practice and use the nets ahead of the series opener.
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The West Indies squad, led by Shai Hope, had also arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, with both teams scheduled to begin full practice from Thursday afternoon; India planned training sessions on Friday and Saturday.
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The return of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja could bring them level with a notable Indian-record mark: the trio have played 226 international matches together, one short of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble’s 227.
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India’s squad is missing some regular players because they are participating in the 2026 Asian Games, adding to the selection and combination challenges ahead of the World Cup buildup.
Virat Kohli arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday to join India's ODI squad ahead of a three-match series against the West Indies starting September 27. Free Press Journal reported that large crowds of fans greeted him at the airport, with the former captain receiving a traditional welcome at the team hotel. The series marks Kohli's return to ODI cricket after a two-month break and forms part of India's buildup to the 2027 World Cup.
India will be led by Shubman Gill for the opening match at Greenfield International Stadium, with additional games scheduled in Guwahati and New Chandigarh. Sportskeeda noted that strong public interest has driven ticket sales, with more than 35,000 tickets sold within 24 hours for the opener. The series also marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja to ODI action.
Kohli's Record at the Greenfield Stadium
Virat Kohli brings strong form to Thiruvananthapuram, where he has thrived before. At Greenfield International Stadium, Kohli has scored 199 runs in two previous ODIs, including an unbeaten 166 against Sri Lanka in 2023. Technosports reported that he trained at the venue on Thursday ahead of the series opener, working to shake off his two-month absence from competitive cricket.
Since 2025, Kohli has accumulated 1,035 ODI runs in 19 matches at an average of 64.68, showing his consistency in the format. His return comes as India prepares younger players and manages squad rotations with several regulars competing in the 2026 Asian Games.
Trio Chasing a Historic Indian Record
The return of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja could bring them level with an iconic Indian cricket milestone. According to Sportskeeda, the trio have played 226 international matches together—just one short of the 227 matches played by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble. This ODI series offers them an immediate opportunity to match that legendary record.
Rohit Sharma himself has scored 1,613 runs in 35 ODI matches and has several records within reach during this series. Sportskeeda highlighted that his performance against the West Indies could add to an already impressive resumé in the format.
West Indies Arrive as Selection Challenges Mount
The West Indies squad, led by Shai Hope, has also arrived in Thiruvananthapuram and will begin full practice from Thursday afternoon. Both teams are scheduled for training sessions on Friday and Saturday before the opening match on September 27. Sportskeeda reported that India faces several selection dilemmas, with key players unavailable due to Asian Games commitments.
Daily Hunt noted that Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both returning to ODI cricket after their two-month break, with Kohli's last ODI appearance coming on July 19, 2026, against England. The squad combinations and player rotations remain central topics as India builds toward World Cup preparations with a partially depleted roster.
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