Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be his last appearance in the tournament for India.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Kohli, 37, shared his decision in an interview with JioStar ahead of India's ODI series opener against the West Indies on September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram.
"For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation," Kohli said.
He added that winning the trophy is his clear goal.
"And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready," he said.
Kohli has retired from Test and T20I formats to focus exclusively on 50-over cricket.
He aims to secure his second 50-over World Cup title, following his 2011 triumph under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Physical and Mental Demands
Kohli highlighted the physical and mental demands of the 50-over format.
He noted that maintaining top-level focus across a long tournament in foreign conditions presents a significant test for any cricketer.
"The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity.
But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day," he 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 added.
Kohli has amassed 1,795 runs in 37 World Cup matches at an average of 59.83, including five centuries.
Across his career in the format, he has accumulated 14,941 runs across 302 innings with 54 centuries.
Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma also shared his outlook on competing in international tournaments.
He emphasized the ongoing challenge of adapting to different conditions and opponents.
"The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to.
And I'm looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me," Sharma said.
Sharma, who led India to the final of the 2023 edition, remains determined to pursue an ODI World Cup victory.
"When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues," he said.
"So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way and that is the challenge."
India begins its ODI series against the West Indies on September 27, 2026, broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
