Virat Kohli says the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be his final appearance at the global 50-over tournament as he targets another title with India.
India batting star Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be his final appearance at the global 50-over tournament.
Kohli revealed his plans during an interview with JioStar, saying the prospect of playing in his final World Cup has given him additional motivation to pursue another global title with India.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation,” Kohli said.
“And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”
The veteran batter has already retired from Test and T20I cricket and is now focused on the 50-over format. The 2027 tournament could therefore represent his final opportunity to compete for the World Cup trophy.
The ICC previously reported in May that Kohli remained committed to playing at the 2027 World Cup, describing his preparations for the tournament as being in full sync.
Four previous World Cups
Kohli has represented India at four previous ODI World Cups.
He was part of India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign on home soil and subsequently featured in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions.
The 2027 tournament will give the former India captain an opportunity to conclude his World Cup journey on the biggest stage.
The next World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the tournament scheduled for 2027.
Kohli highlights demands of ODI World Cup
Kohli also spoke about the unique physical and mental demands of competing in a 50-over World Cup.
He believes the intensity of an ODI World Cup is considerably greater than that of a T20 tournament because players must maintain a high level of performance over a longer competition.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” he said.
“Because now, it’s about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day.”
Kohli added that maintaining such intensity throughout a major tournament, particularly in overseas conditions, presents a significant challenge.
“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,” he said.
Remarkable World Cup record
Kohli has established himself as one of the most prolific batters in World Cup history.
He has featured in 37 World Cup ODIs, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83. His tournament record includes five centuries and 12 half-centuries, with a highest score of 117.
His 2023 World Cup campaign was particularly notable, as he scored 765 runs and was named Player of the Tournament. He also became the first batter to reach 50 ODI centuries during the competition.
Kohli’s overall ODI numbers are equally impressive. He is the format’s leading century-maker, with 54 ODI hundreds, and the ICC described him in May 2026 as the second-highest run-scorer in men’s ODIs.
Final World Cup challenge awaits
With his Test and T20I careers already concluded, Kohli’s attention is now firmly centred on the 50-over format.
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will provide him with one final opportunity to compete for the sport’s premier ODI trophy.
Kohli has already experienced the triumph of 2011 and the disappointment of subsequent World Cup campaigns. His latest comments make clear that he intends to approach his final World Cup with a defined objective: helping India challenge for another global title before bringing his World Cup journey to a close.