Virat Kohli has confirmed that next year’s 50-over World Cup will mark his final appearance for India. The 37-year-old batting icon, who currently holds the record for the most ODI centuries with 54, expressed his complete commitment to helping his nation secure the trophy during the upcoming tournament.
Having already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, Kohli exclusively represents India in the one-day format. With 14,941 ODI runs—second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s career total of 18,426—the veteran campaigner is preparing for his fifth World Cup. He was part of the 2011 squad that claimed victory on home soil and played in the 2023 final loss to Australia.
Speaking to the broadcaster JioStar this past Saturday, Kohli described the 50-over format as one of the game’s most grueling challenges, especially as the 2027 tournament will be held abroad. The event is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia between October and November.
Kohli emphasized the physical and mental toll of the competition, stating that the intensity required for the tournament is immense. He noted that playing ten games at a T20 level of intensity essentially equates to playing two and a half T20 matches in a single day, adding that maintaining such high performance levels across a long competition in foreign conditions is a significant undertaking. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity,” he said. “But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day.
Despite the physical demands, the veteran remains focused on his goal. He stated that his primary motivation is to give everything he has on the field to bring the trophy home. Joining him in this pursuit is former captain Rohit Sharma, who currently also focuses solely on the ODI format. Sharma remains deeply engaged, stating that he does not feel his work is finished and looks forward to the upcoming World Cup campaign with full motivation. “That is my motivation and like, you know, to leave everything out there.
Both players have been named in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with the first fixture set for Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.
