‘It’s the last World Cup I’ll play for India’: Virat Kohli vows to give it his all

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has revealed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India, with the prospect of one final shot at the coveted trophy the biggest motivation for batsmen.Kohli, who now plays only ODI cricket at the international level, said he is ready to leave everything on the field as India begin preparations for the 50-year show in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s ODI series against West Indies, Kohli highlighted the unique physical and mental demands of the 50-over World Cup and made it clear that winning the title is his ultimate goal.“The intensity of the 50-over World Cup is more than anything else. Because now it’s about 10 matches at the level of T20 intensity. But you play 2.5 T20 matches in one day. And to sustain that intensity for 10 matches in a big tournament and World Cup is a big challenge,” Kohli said.“Also now, it’s in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. For me, this is the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that’s my motivation. Like, you know, leave it all there. And of course the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”

One last World Cup, one clear goal

The 2027 World Cup will give Kohli another opportunity to chase the trophy in what he has now confirmed will be his final ODI World Cup campaign in India.Kohli was part of India’s triumphant campaign in the 2011 World Cup and also played in the 2023 final where India lost to Australia in Ahmedabad. During his World Cup career, he scored 1,795 runs in 37 matches at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 fifties.His overall ODI record stands at 14,941 runs in 302 innings at an average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 79 fifties.But individual numbers are clearly secondary for Kohli as he eyes his last World Cup.The 2027 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 4 October to 21 November.India’s ODI preparations begin with a three-match home series against the West Indies, followed by another 50-over task as the team builds towards the global tournament.