‘Last World Cup I’m going to play for India’: Virat Kohli vows to give everything

Virat Kohli (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has revealed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup for India, with the prospect of one final shot at the coveted trophy providing the biggest motivation for the batting stalwart.Kohli, who now plays only ODI cricket at the international level, said he is ready to leave everything on the field as India begin their preparations for the 50-over showpiece in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Speaking to JioStar ahead of India's ODI series against West Indies, Kohli underlined the unique physical and mental demands of a 50-over World Cup and made it clear that winning the title is his ultimate objective.“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. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal,” Kohli said.“Also now, it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. 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.”

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 for India.

Kohli was part of India's triumphant 2011 World Cup campaign and also played in the 2023 final, where India lost to Australia in Ahmedabad. Across his World Cup career, he has 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 to Kohli as he looks towards his final World Cup.The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21.India's ODI preparations begin with the three-match home series against West Indies, followed by further 50-over assignments as the team builds towards the global tournament.