‘It’s my last World Cup’: Kohli draws a line in the sand
Virat Kohli didn’t beat around the bush. Ahead of India’s ODI series against the West Indies, he told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament for India.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli said. “And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there.”
The statement instantly became the biggest headline in Indian cricket. After years of speculation about his ODI future, Kohli himself has now set the deadline.
Why 2027 feels like the perfect farewell
Kohli, 37, now plays only one format for India — the 50-over game. He has already stepped away from T20 internationals and Test cricket.
That makes the 2027 World Cup a natural end point. It will be his fifth ODI World Cup, after featuring in the 2011 triumph on home soil and the 2023 final loss to Australia.
The next edition, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October–November 2027, also adds an extra layer of challenge.
‘Intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything’
Kohli didn’t just talk about emotion. He broke down why this tournament matters so much from a cricketing standpoint.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” he said. “Because now, it’s about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity.”
“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.”
That clarity explains his mindset. If this is the last shot, he wants to go all-in, with no regrets.
Goal is simple: win the World Cup
Kohli made his target crystal clear. It’s not about milestones or farewell tours. It’s about lifting the trophy.
“And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup,” he told JioStar. “And whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”sports.
With 54 ODI centuries — the most by any batter — and 14,941 runs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426, Kohli’s record already places him among the greats.
Now, he wants the missing piece: another World Cup title as a central figure in the side.
What this means for India’s 2027 planning
Kohli’s announcement gives India a clear timeline. The team knows its most experienced batter is targeting one last global campaign.economictimes.
Reports suggest India have 14 confirmed bilateral ODIs scheduled between September 2026 and January 2027, across four series and three months, before the World Cup begins.
If India reach the final in 2027, that could add up to six more ODIs to Kohli’s tally in the tournament itself.
Selection, workload management, and batting order planning will now be built around that window.sports.yahoo+1
Reactions and the bigger picture
Former players and fans have already started reacting to Kohli’s statement. For many, it adds weight to every ODI India play from now until late 2027.
Sanath Jayasuriya, speaking at a recent event, backed both Rohit Sharma and Kohli to be part of the 2027 squad, noting how younger players can learn from their experience.
Kohli’s form this year — 384 runs in six ODI innings at an average of 64 and a strike rate over 106, including a century and three fifties — shows he still has plenty to offer.
What’s next for Kohli and India
The immediate focus is the ODI series against the West Indies, where Kohli spoke to JioStar. From there, the road to 2027 begins in earnest.
Kohli has also hinted he wants to play with more freedom and stop worrying about external expectations as India move towards the World Cup.
For fans, the message is simple: every innings from now on could be part of Kohli’s final World Cup journey.
FAQs
Will Virat Kohli retire after the 2027 World Cup?
Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup for India. He has not announced an exact retirement date beyond that tournament.
Which formats does Kohli currently play for India?
He now represents India only in ODIs, having retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket earlier.
How many ODI centuries does Kohli have?
Kohli has 54 ODI hundreds, the most by any batter in the format.
Where will the 2027 ODI World Cup be held?
The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October–November 2027.
