India's star batter opens up on his relationship with Shubman Gill following their match-winning 151-run partnership against West Indies.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill combined for a match-winning 151-run partnership during India's first ODI against West Indies at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026. The partnership came off 132 balls as India chased down 296 in 41.4 overs to secure an eight-wicket victory. Gill scored 110 off 108 balls for his tenth ODI century, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 88 deliveries to register his 55th ODI hundred.
In a special video, Kohli reflected on his relationship with Gill and the environment they create together within the team. The partnership also marked a significant milestone for Kohli, who reached 15,000 ODI runs during the match, joining Sachin Tendulkar as only the second player to achieve this landmark.
"I've known him from the time since he came into the team. I've always shared like a very free-flowing and fun-filled camaraderie with him. At the end of the day, you make a conscious effort," Kohli said in a video released by BCCI.
"Now he is in a leadership position, I have been in that position for a long time, and now I am a senior player. So, when senior players or the leaders in the team are smiling and laughing, keeping the environment light, all the other players feel like, Yeah, there's no problem at all'. Even if it is a big pressure game, everyone is laughing and having fun, it just relaxes the other guys because we are not taking pressure," he added.
Understanding between Kohli and Gill
The 151-run partnership between Kohli and Gill marked their second 150-plus run stand in ODIs. Their highest partnership came during the ODI World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, when they added 189 runs.
Kohli elaborated on the understanding he shares with Gill when batting together. The two players have developed a natural rhythm that allows them to focus on the match situation without unnecessary communication about strategy or technique.
"When you bat with a player like that, we hardly even talk about the match. Idhar udhar ki baate ho rahi hoti hai (We just talk about random things here and there), because he knows what to do and I know what to do," Kohli said.
Gill also spoke about Kohli's current form and the positive energy the senior batter brings to the team environment. The ODI captain observed how Kohli's confidence and enjoyment of the game translate into his batting performance and influence the overall team dynamics.
"We can all see how much Virat bhai is enjoying his batting right now, and I think whether it be the banter on the field or off the field, I think the ease and confidence that he is batting with right now, it also translates from off the field to on the field," Gill said.
Kohli on playing for team success
Kohli reflected on the importance of playing for team success rather than individual milestones. The veteran batter emphasised that longevity in international cricket comes from prioritising team wins over personal statistics.
"You can only play for that long if you are looking to make the team win. You can't play that long for numbers, because in your need to get numbers, you will compromise on the main goal, and you can't play for long in that manner. So, I'm lucky to have been in this position for so long, and of course, a big number like that to tick off along the way to another win is quite special," Kohli said.
India and West Indies continued their series with the second ODI scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.