Virat Kohli mania grips Kerala as the Indian star arrives ahead of the West Indies ODI series

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, September 23 to join the Indian squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies, with fans turning out at the airport to catch a glimpse of the former captain.

Kohli, who is based in London with his family, landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport before being escorted through the terminal by security personnel. He then went to the team hotel where he received a traditional welcome from the staff.

India will open their ODI series against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium on September 27. The three-match series is part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The excitement surrounding the series has already translated into strong demand for tickets. According to Kerala Kaumudi, more than 35,000 public tickets for the Thiruvananthapuram ODI were sold within 24 hours of the sale opening.

The return of Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the ODI side was a major factor in the interest for the series. Both players were part of India’s limited-overs tour of England in June-July and are now set to feature in the squad’s next ODI assignment.

KOHLI, ROHIT IS BACK

Kohli and Rohit remain central figures in India’s ODI plans despite ongoing debate over their long-term future in the format.

Both players retired from Test cricket last year but continued to play ODIs. Their place in India’s 2027 FIFA World Cup plans has remained a matter of debate, especially with the selectors also eyeing younger options.

Reports ahead of India’s ODI against England at Lord’s earlier this year suggested that the selection committee was considering switching to Yashasvi Jaiswal in the ODI setup. However, Kohli and Rohit have been retained for the current West Indies series.

India will play the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, followed by matches in Guwahati on September 30 and Mullanpur on October 3. The ODI series will be followed by five T20Is.

HOLDER PRAISES KOHLI

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder had already heaped praise on Kohli before the series, calling him one of the best players to have played the game. “If you look at Virat, he’s probably the best player, the best one-day batsman ever to play the game and one of the best batsmen ever to play the game,” Holder told JioStar.

Kohli’s experience will be especially valuable for the Indian team as it prepares for the 2027 World Cup, with Gill leading the side in the 50-over format.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also highlighted the value of having Kohli and Rohit around Gill. “In ODIs, he (Gill) is very lucky to have people like Rohit and Virat helping him on and off the field,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir admitted that selection challenges involving established Indian players are difficult, especially for the young captain. “To leave anyone out of the playing eleven in Indian cricket is always going to be difficult. But when you have to do it as a young captain, it’s probably the hardest job for any coach and captain. He’s done it so far. He’s ticked all the boxes actually,” he said.

Gill has had a tough time in ODI cricket in recent series against England, Australia and New Zealand, but Gambhir has backed him to turn things around.

“I feel he has done all the right things… he has had a bit of a tough time in One Day cricket. But I am sure, I think things will turn around because he has done all the right things,” Gambhir added.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

23 Sep 2026 20:48 IST