Virat Kohli says 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India: 'The goal is absolutely to win it'

Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India, telling broadcaster JioStar on Saturday that winning the trophy is the single biggest motivation driving him (https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/kohli-says-2027-world-cup-will-be-his-last-india-2026-09-26/).

“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” the 37-year-old said. “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, the leading century-maker in ODIs with 54 hundreds and 14,941 runs — second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426 — retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket earlier and now represents India only in the 50-over format. He won the World Cup on home soil in 2011 before suffering defeat in the 2023 final against Australia.

The 2027 edition, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October to November, will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup. He underlined the tournament’s demands: “The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything… Also now, it’s in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you.”

Former captain Rohit Sharma, who also plays only ODIs for India now, said his motivation is undimmed: “As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup.”

Kohli and Rohit were both named in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies, with the opener in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.