Virat Kohli trains at Greenfield International Stadium ahead of 1st ODI vs West Indies

Virat Kohli was photographed training at Greenfield International Stadium, also known as The Sports Hub, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, September 24, 2026, ahead of the first ODI against West Indies. The former India captain appeared intense during the session and was also seen playing football on the ground.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) shared the photos on their official social media handles. Kohli had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, September 23, reportedly travelling from London, and was spotted at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. He was the first member of the India squad to reach Kerala, with the broader group expected to assemble by Thursday, September 24.

Kohli’s last ODI and return context

Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both returning to ODI cricket after approximately a two-month break from the format. Kohli’s last ODI appearance came in the third and final match of the series against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, on July 19, 2026. He scored 74 off 60 balls in that game, though India lost the match.

Series schedule and next steps

The 37-year-old carries strong recent ODI numbers into the series. In the India vs New Zealand ODI series in January 2026, Kohli finished as India’s top run-scorer with 240 runs across the three-match series, which India lost 2-1. He also played three games against England in the United Kingdom, where he aggregated 144 runs in three innings. His overall ODI career record stands at 314 matches, 14,941 runs, a batting average of 58.59, 54 centuries and 79 fifties.

Also Read: I don’t feel any pressure or burden because of my father’s name: Aaryavir Sehwag

The first ODI of the three-match series against West Indies is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, starting at 2:00 PM IST. The second ODI follows on September 30 in Guwahati, and the third takes place on October 3 in New Chandigarh, both also at 2:00 PM IST. A five-match T20I series between the two sides is scheduled to begin in Lucknow on October 6. Fans are waiting with bated breath to see Kohli and Rohit returning to action in India colours.