Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has announced that the 2027 ODI World Cup, set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will mark his final appearance in the competition. The 37-year-old, who now focuses exclusively on the 50-over format following his retirement from Test and T20 international cricket, expressed a firm resolve to secure the trophy before concluding his tournament career.
Speaking to broadcaster JioStar ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies starting this Sunday, Kohli stated, “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India.” He emphasized that his primary motivation is to leave everything on the field, noting that the objective is to do whatever is necessary to win the championship.
Kohli currently stands as one of the most prolific figures in the format, boasting 14,941 runs and a record 54 centuries. Reflecting on the demands of the sport, he noted that the physical and mental intensity required for a 50-over World Cup exceeds that of T20 cricket. “The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” he said, highlighting that maintaining that level of performance over ten matches, particularly in foreign conditions, is a massive undertaking.
The veteran batter previously tasted World Cup success as part of the 2011 championship team under MS Dhoni. He and 39-year-old Rohit Sharma stepped away from T20 internationals following India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which came a year after a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final held on home soil. He was also part of the India side that won the 2011 World Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, highlighted the positive influence the experienced duo continues to provide within the squad. As the team initiates its preparations for the 2027 tournament, Kotak noted that the current team environment is brilliant, adding, “Everyone knows there is just one year to go for the World Cup,” during a press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram.
