Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final World Cup for India. The veteran batter says he is ready to give everything in his bid to help India win the trophy.
Kohli, 37, is now focused solely on one-day international cricket after retiring from T20 internationals and Test cricket. He remains the leading century-maker in ODI history with 54 hundreds.
The former India captain has scored 14,941 runs in 50-over cricket. Only Sachin Tendulkar, with 18,426 runs, has scored more ODI runs.
Kohli Targets One Last World Cup
Kohli won the 2011 World Cup with India on home soil. He was also part of the team that reached the 2023 final, where India lost to Australia.
The 2027 tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November. It will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday.
He said the chance to play in his final World Cup gives him extra motivation. Kohli also made clear that winning the tournament remains his main objective.
“I’m ready to give everything out there,” he said, adding that he would do whatever it takes to help India win the trophy.
Kohli Highlights World Cup Challenge
Kohli believes a 50-over World Cup presents a unique physical and mental challenge.
The tournament requires players to maintain high intensity across a long campaign. He expects that challenge to be even greater in 2027 because the competition will take place in foreign conditions.
Kohli compared the intensity of a 50-over World Cup with several Twenty20 matches played across a single day.
He said maintaining that level for around 10 matches makes the tournament particularly demanding. Playing outside India, he added, can make the challenge even tougher.
The 2027 World Cup is expected to feature a long schedule across three southern African countries. Conditions will also vary between venues, adding another test for players.
Rohit Sharma Also Looking Ahead
Former India captain Rohit Sharma is also continuing to play only ODI cricket. Like Kohli, he remains focused on another World Cup campaign.
Rohit dismissed the idea that he should feel his international career is already winding down.
“As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to,” Rohit said. “And I’m looking forward to the World Cup.”
Kohli and Rohit have both been included in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The series will give both experienced batters another opportunity to build towards the 2027 World Cup.
For Kohli, however, the tournament will carry added significance. It will be his final chance to compete for India at cricket’s biggest 50-over event.
