Virat Kohli has said the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India, adding that he is ready to give everything to help the team win the trophy.
Kohli, the leading century-maker in men’s 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 in 2011 but suffered a defeat in the 2023 final against Australia.
The 2027 edition, scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October to 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 and, you know, 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 also spoke about the physical and mental demands of a 50-over World Cup, particularly with the tournament set to be played in foreign conditions.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity,” he said.
“But 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 represents the country only in ODIs, said he remained 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 have both been named in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The opening match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
