India batting superstar Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will be his final 50-over World Cup for the Indian cricket team. The tournament is scheduled to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027. Kohli made his ODI World Cup debut in 2011 and was part of the Indian team that lifted the trophy on home soil under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Since then, he has featured in four editions of the tournament – 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 – establishing himself as one of the most prolific batters in World Cup history. The former India captain is currently the second-highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup history. He also holds the record for the most runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the tournament, having amassed 765 runs during the 2023 World Cup.
Kohli has also enjoyed a remarkable ODI career, scoring 14,941 runs in 314 matches for India. Speaking to JioStar ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, he explained that the 2027 World Cup will provide extra motivation as he prepares for what will be his final appearance at the 50-over showpiece.
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Kohli highlighted the unique physical and mental demands of an ODI World Cup, particularly when playing several high-intensity matches in foreign conditions. He said his objective is to give everything he has and help India win the title.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” Virat Kohli said, explaining that maintaining that level of intensity across a long tournament requires significant effort.
Virat Kohli said, “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation… 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.”#ViratKohli #Cricket #Kohli #ODI pic.twitter.com/UZsSVCzLNu
— NENewsTV (@NENEWS24x7) September 26, 2026
With the 2027 tournament set to be his last ODI World Cup for India, Kohli added that winning the trophy remains his primary goal and said he is ready to do whatever is required to achieve it.
Meanwhile, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also targeting a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Rohit said he remains focused on the challenges ahead and is looking forward to another World Cup campaign.
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The veteran opener also pointed out that an ICC tournament presents a different challenge because teams face opponents from across the world and play at different venues and conditions. According to Rohit, players need to prepare differently and adapt their approach depending on the opposition and circumstances.
With both Kohli and Rohit looking towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, India could potentially enter the tournament with two of its most experienced white-ball players still aiming to contribute on the biggest stage.
