Virat Kohli Says 2027 World Cup Will Be His Last for India

Virat Kohli has identified the 2027 50-over World Cup as his final World Cup appearance for India, saying he is fully committed to helping the team win the tournament.

Speaking to broadcaster JioStar, Kohli said: “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India.”

The 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place in October and November across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It is expected to be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup.

Kohli sets winning target

Kohli said the prospect of another World Cup campaign was motivating him to give his full effort.

“That is my motivation and like, 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,” he said.

The 37-year-old now represents India only in the 50-over format after retiring from Twenty20 internationals and Test cricket.

Kohli is the leading century-maker in one-day international cricket, with 54 hundreds. He has scored 14,941 ODI runs, a total second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426.

Another campaign with Rohit Sharma

Kohli won the 2011 World Cup on home soil with India but was part of the team that lost the 2023 final to Australia. The 2027 competition will be played away from India, in the conditions of southern Africa.

Rohit Sharma, who also now plays only ODIs for India, has likewise expressed his desire to continue pursuing another World Cup campaign.

“As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup,” Rohit said. He added: “The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished.”

Kohli and Rohit have both been included in India’s squad for a three-match ODI series against West Indies. The opening match is scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Kohli’s comments establish the 2027 World Cup as his planned final World Cup for India, but they do not specify when he will end his ODI career or whether he will continue playing after the tournament.