Virat Kohli Confirms 2027 ODI World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament

Sports Desk

Publish : 26 Sep 2026, 07:58 PM

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Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will mark his final appearance in the marquee tournament for India, asserting his determination to pour everything into securing the title.

Kohli, who holds the record for the most centuries in ODI history with 54 hundreds, has previously stepped away from both T20 internationals and Test cricket, now featuring exclusively for India in the 50-over format.

The 37-year-old batsman has accumulated 14,941 runs in ODIs, placing him second overall behind Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 18,426.

Having featured in India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign on home soil as well as the 2023 final defeat against Australia, the upcoming 2027 edition—co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia across October and November—will serve as his fifth appearance in the tournament.

“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.”

Reflecting on the physical and mental demands, Kohli noted that competing in a 50-over World Cup represents one of the sport's greatest tests, particularly given that the 2027 event takes place abroad.

“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 likewise competes solely in the ODI format, expressed that he remains equally driven by the prospect of another World Cup journey.

“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.”

Both Kohli and Rohit have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies with the opening fixture slated to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

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