Kohli to retire from international cricket; player says 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final tournament.
Batting superstar Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup—scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia during October and November—will be his final 50-over tournament for India. Kohli has previously represented India in four World Cups: 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
He made his World Cup debut in the 2011 tournament, where he was part of the squad that won the title under the leadership of M.S. Dhoni on home soil.
Ranked second among the highest run-scorers in World Cup history, he also holds the record for the most runs scored in a single edition, having amassed 765 runs during the 2023 tournament. He has scored 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs for India. He expressed his readiness to give his all for the upcoming World Cup while speaking to JioStar ahead of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. He added that next year's tournament would be the final World Cup he plays for India and that winning the title is his goal. Kohli stated that he is fully prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that objective. He noted that the intensity of the 50-over World Cup is far greater than any other format—akin to playing about ten matches, each with T20-level intensity. Yet, in One Day Internationals, you are essentially playing the equivalent of two-and-a-half T20 matches. Maintaining that level of intensity across ten matches in such a massive tournament is a significant feat. Furthermore, with the event taking place in overseas conditions, it demands immense energy, Kohli explained.
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma is also aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit expressed his anticipation for the World Cup and his readiness for the challenges ahead. He remarked that as long as one continues to play, there is always something to look forward to with hope, adding that he is eagerly awaiting the World Cup and the tasks lying ahead. Playing in a World Cup—or any ICC tournament—brings unique challenges, as one faces diverse opponents and plays at various venues. Consequently, one must prepare and think differently; that is where the challenge lies, Rohit added.
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