Virat Kohli has expressed his desire to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that he will play only when he can add value to the team and does not have to prove his ability. After retiring from T20I/Test, now his focus is only on ODI.
Former Team India captain and star batsman Virat Kohli has broken his silence about playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. This World Cup is to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November next year. Kohli took retirement from T20I and Test within about a year. Now his entire focus is only on ODI cricket, so that he can take his brilliant international career to this big event. It is believed that this could be his last big tournament on the global stage. Despite withdrawing from other formats, this star batsman’s influence in the 50 over format still continues.
Virat Kohli is currently playing the current IPL season for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Recently he also scored a century against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. This innings further strengthened his resolve to continue playing cricket on his own terms.
‘I want to be a part of the World Cup’
After being successful in defending the T20 World Cup title in March this year, Team India is now eyeing the ODI World Cup trophy. In such a situation, the focus has increased on those senior players who will become the backbone of the team in South African conditions. There are less than 18 months left in the tournament, so Virat Kohli’s performance has become a big issue.
Recently, while speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli stressed that he wants to play in this big tournament, but only if he can really add some value to the team and its environment. He said that his focus is on contributing to the team, and not on constantly proving his worth or creating a reputation.
The 37-year-old Kohli said, “As far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned, to be honest, right now we are in the middle of 2026. I have been asked many times, ‘Do you want to play in 2027?’ Why would I leave my house, come here with all my stuff and not want to play? Of course, if I am playing, I want to play for India. I want to be a part of the World Cup. But the value should be clear. My view is that if I can add some value to the team environment, and the team also feels that I can add value, then I will definitely play.”
He added, “But if I’m made to feel like I have to constantly prove my worth and my value, then I’m not cut out for that place, because I’m honest about my preparation and my approach to the game. I just keep my head down and work hard.”
“I am very thankful to God for everything I have got in my cricket career, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities I have got.”
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Virat Kohli had hinted at playing in the ODI World Cup by taking part in the ODI series against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. In 9 matches of these three series, Kohli has scored 616 runs at an average of 88, which includes 3 centuries and as many half-centuries.
‘I have come to give my best, not to prove anyone wrong’
Talking further about his thinking and approach, Virat Kohli explained that whenever he comes on the field, his focus is on giving his best for the team and not on meeting external expectations or proving his ability.
The former Indian captain said, “When I come to play, I give it my all. I work at least as hard, if not more, than anyone else, and play the game the right way. If you ask me to run to the boundary for 40 overs in ODIs, I will do that without any complaints, because I prepare for that. I prepare to face 50 overs as if every ball is the last ball of my career. And I bat and run in the same way, try everything possible for the team.”
He further added, “After working like this, if I am in a place where I still have to prove my worth, then that place is not for me. I am very clear about that in my mind. That’s why when I went back to play, I was clear that I was not going to prove anything to anyone. I was going to play because I love playing the game. I just love batting and I wanted to focus on that.”
The current IPL season is an important platform for Virat Kohli to maintain his form and consistency and cement his place in India’s long-term ODI plans in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup. In IPL 2026, Virat Kohli has scored 484 runs in 12 matches at an average of 53.77 and strike rate of 165.75, which includes one century and 3 half-centuries.