Virat Kohli has confirmed that the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will be his final ODI World Cup for India. The former India captain is targeting another World Cup title before bringing his journey in the tournament to an end.
India batting star Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be his last appearance in the tournament.
The World Cup will be hosted across South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, with Kohli set to enter the competition aiming to help India lift the trophy.
Speaking to JioStar, Kohli said the upcoming World Cup would be his final one for India and that winning the tournament remains his primary motivation.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation.”
Kohli also made it clear that he is prepared to give everything required to help India win the tournament.
Virat Kohli targeting fifth World Cup appearance
The 2027 edition could mark Virat Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup appearance for India.
Kohli made his World Cup debut in 2011, when India won the tournament on home soil. He subsequently featured in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions.
Across his World Cup career so far, Kohli has played 37 matches, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83. His World Cup record includes five centuries and 12 half-centuries, with a highest score of 117.
His consistency has made him one of the most productive batters in ODI World Cup history.
Kohli explains the challenge of a 50-over World Cup
Kohli highlighted the unique physical and mental demands of playing a 50-over World Cup.
According to the India batter, the intensity of the tournament is different from shorter formats because players have to maintain a high level of performance throughout a longer competition.
He also pointed to the challenge of playing in overseas conditions and facing different opponents at different venues.
Kohli said that the World Cup requires players to prepare differently because every match and venue presents a new challenge.
Kohli has already retired from Tests and T20Is
Kohli has previously announced his retirement from Test cricket and T20I cricket, making ODI cricket his remaining international format.
His focus is now on the 50-over format and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The former India captain is also approaching another major career milestone. He has scored 14,941 runs in 302 ODI innings, with 54 centuries and 79 fifties, according to the figures cited by the ICC.
His ODI career includes a highest score of 183 and a strike rate of 93.95.
2027 World Cup could mark the end of Kohli’s World Cup journey
Kohli has already experienced the highest achievement in ODI cricket, having been part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team.
The 2027 tournament will provide another opportunity for him to compete for the biggest prize in 50-over cricket.
With the tournament scheduled to take place in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, Kohli will be looking to make his fifth World Cup appearance a memorable one.
Virat Kohli World Cup record
- 2027 World Cup: Confirmed as his final ODI World Cup
- World Cup appearances so far: 4
- World Cup matches: 37
- World Cup runs: 1,795
- World Cup centuries: 5
- World Cup fifties: 12
- World Cup title: 2011
- Highest World Cup score: 117
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 could therefore become a significant final chapter in Kohli’s World Cup career as he targets another title with India.
