Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final World Cup appearance for India, saying he is determined to give everything to help the team win the title.
Kohli, the leading century-maker in ODI cricket with 54 hundreds, has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket. He now represents India only in the 50-over format.
The 37-year-old has scored 14,941 runs in ODIs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426.
Kohli was part of India’s World Cup-winning team on home soil in 2011 and also played in the 2023 final, where India lost to Australia.
The 2027 World Cup, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November, 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.
“That is my motivation ... to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”
Kohli said playing a 50-over World Cup is one of cricket’s toughest challenges, particularly because the 2027 tournament will be held outside India.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” he said.
“You are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal. Also now, it’s in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you.”
Former India captain Rohit Sharma, who also now plays only ODIs, said he remains motivated by the prospect of another World Cup campaign.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished,” Rohit said.
“As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup.”
Kohli and Rohit were both included in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The opening match is scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
