Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe will be his last and is motivated to give his best.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli said on JioHotstar. “That is my motivation and like, you know, 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.”
Kohli was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning side at home before suffering a heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 final against Australia. The upcoming edition will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup.
“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,” he said.
“But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. 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 also threw his weight behind young captain Shubman Gill.
“Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team,” Kohli said.
“He has got his plans very clear in terms of how he looks at us operating in the field. Of course, with more experience and understanding situations, the kind of calls you take are things that he will keep working on and improving, which everyone does in a leadership role,” he added.
Like Kohli, Rohit Sharma too only plays this format and said his focus is also the same.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished,” Rohit said. “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.”