Virat Kohli confirms 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last

Thiruvananthapuram: Virat Kohli announced on Saturday that next year's ODI World Cup will be his last, with the Indian batting star resolved to capture the trophy once more before ending his international career.

The 37-year-old, who now concentrates exclusively on the 50-over game after retiring from Test and T20 international cricket, confirmed that the 2027 tournament hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will mark his final World Cup campaign.

"For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India," Kohli told broadcaster JioStar prior to the three-match ODI series against the West Indies beginning on Sunday.

"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," he said.

"I'm absolutely ready."

The upcoming series against the West Indies is viewed as a key stepping stone in India's preparation for the 2027 tournament.

Kohli continues to be one of the most successful run-scorers in one-day international cricket, possessing a record 54 centuries alongside 14,941 runs.

He was a member of the Indian squad that claimed the 2011 World Cup under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Kohli noted that competing in a 50-over World Cup presents a greater challenge than the T20 format due to its rigorous physical and mental demands.

"The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything," Kohli said.

"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."

Kohli and Rohit Sharma, 39, both retired from T20 internationals following India's victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup, coming a year after their defeat against Australia in the final of the home ODI World Cup in 2023.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak noted that the veteran duo's presence has fortified the squad's dynamic as preparations for the World Cup intensify.

"I actually believe the team environment is brilliant. Everyone knows there is just one year to go for the World Cup," Kotak told reporters on the eve of the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.

AFP