Deccanchronicle iconDeccanchronicleSep 26, 2026 ~2 min source read

Virat Kohli: 2027 ODI World Cup Will Be My Last for India

Kohli says the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is his final ODI World Cup and that he will give everything to help India win in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

ODI World Cup 2027 Is The Last I'm Going To Play For India: Kohli

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Virat Kohli confirmed the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup appearance for India and named winning the trophy his primary motivation.

Kohli described the physical and mental challenge of a 50-over World Cup, calling it sustained high-intensity cricket over about 10 matches.

The 37-year-old will continue to play only one international format and made the statement ahead of India’s ODI series against the West Indies.

# What Kohli said Virat Kohli told JioStar that the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 will be his last ODI World Cup for India. He said that knowledge is his motivation and that he will "leave everything out there" in pursuit of the trophy. Kohli added that he is "absolutely ready" to do whatever it takes to help India win.

# Context and timing Kohli made the comment ahead of India's ODI series against the West Indies, played in late September 2026. He is 37 and currently plays only one international format. The 2027 World Cup will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

# Why Kohli emphasised the challenge Kohli explained that a 50-over World Cup requires maintaining T20-like intensity across roughly 10 matches, calling it a significant physical and mental demand. He specifically noted the extra toll of playing in foreign conditions during a major tournament.

# Record and past World Cups The piece notes Kohli was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning side under MS Dhoni. It also references India's runner-up finish to Australia in the 2023 final. Those past tournaments are part of Kohli's World Cup experience and inform his stated goals for 2027.

# Rohit Sharma's comment Former captain Rohit Sharma, who is older than Kohli, also commented on preparing for the World Cup. He framed ICC tournaments as unique challenges because teams face different opponents at different venues, requiring distinct preparation and thinking.

# What this means for India Kohli's announcement sets expectations for his role in India's World Cup plans: he will approach 2027 as his final shot at an ODI World Cup title and intends to play with full commitment. The remarks may influence selection conversations, team planning for leadership and batting roles, and India's preparation strategy for foreign conditions.

# Viewing information The article notes the first ODI of the West Indies tour of India would be broadcast live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network in late September 2026.

# Bottom line Kohli has publicly framed the 2027 World Cup as his ODI World Cup farewell and his strongest motivation to win the trophy for India. He emphasised the tournament's demands and indicated he will commit fully to the campaign, while senior teammates like Rohit Sharma also acknowledge unfinished business at the World Cup.

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