Virat Kohli, the modern-day batting legend, has officially confirmed his intention to continue playing international cricket until at least the 2027 ODI World Cup. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future of several senior players in the Indian cricket team, including skipper Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Kohli's statement has brought a wave of relief to fans who have been speculating about his retirement after he announced his exit from T20 internationals following India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The 36-year-old cricketer, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, has had an illustrious career marked by numerous achievements. Kohli has won both the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy as a young player, and he added the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy to his accolades as a senior member of the team. "I don’t know, maybe try to win the next World Cup in 2027," Kohli stated during a recent event, hinting at his aspirations for the upcoming tournament.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the 2027 ICC World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Kohli's fitness and performance remain crucial factors. Despite concerns regarding his longevity in the sport, Kohli has emphasized the importance of fitness in his career. He has become known as one of the fittest cricketers globally, often dedicating time to maintain his physical condition. "At 36, a week off is very good. It takes a lot out of me to put in that much effort. At this point in my life, I feel pretty happy. I still love playing the game," he remarked at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit.
In the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli's performance was less than stellar, scoring only 190 runs in five Test matches, including a century in Perth. However, he remains optimistic about overcoming challenges. "For me, it's just about the acceptance of, ‘Okay fine. This is what happened. I’m going to be honest with myself. Where do I want to go? What are my energy levels like?’" he explained, sharing his approach to dealing with setbacks.
By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Kohli will be 38 years old. Nevertheless, his commitment to fitness and his passion for the game suggest that he could still play a pivotal role in India's plans. The new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has not ruled out the possibility of Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the tournament, even though Rohit will be 39 and may face challenges in maintaining his form.
The discussions surrounding Kohli's future are not limited to his playing career. After the recent Champions Trophy victory, there were speculations about the retirements of several senior players, including Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. Following their triumph, both Kohli and Rohit reassured fans that they would like to continue playing for a while longer, dispelling rumors of imminent retirements from ODIs.
Amidst these discussions, Kohli's recent remarks have reignited excitement among fans. During a public appearance, Kohli was asked about his next big step in cricket. His response, "The next big step? I don’t know. Maybe try to win the next World Cup," was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, further solidifying his commitment to the sport.
As Kohli continues to shine in the IPL with his franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he is currently the top scorer with 90 runs, the anticipation for his future remains high. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as India prepares for the next big ICC event.
With his remarkable record, Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time, holding the record for the most centuries in ODI cricket with 51. He is also the third-highest run-getter in the format, amassing 14,181 runs throughout his career. As discussions about the 2027 World Cup heat up, Kohli's presence in the squad is crucial for India's chances of success.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the future of senior players, Kohli's recent statements have provided clarity and hope for fans. "Don’t get nervous. I’m not making any announcements. Everything is fine. I still love playing the game," he reassured, emphasizing that his passion for cricket remains undiminished.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Kohli's storied career, his commitment to playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup adds an exciting layer to the narrative. With his unmatched skills, experience, and determination, Kohli aims to lead India on another historic journey in international cricket.
