Virat Kohli says 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India

Virat Kohli told JioStar on 2026-09-26 that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup for India. “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.”

India are set to begin their three-match ODI series against West Indies on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. The series will be an important part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill will lead India in the series. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the ODI squad.

For Kohli, the next World Cup will be more special than previous editions. The former India captain said he wants to win the World Cup and is ready to do whatever it takes. "Of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready."

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 2027 World Cup will therefore give Kohli another chance to play on the biggest stage in ODI cricket. He will now have the upcoming ODI series and the matches that follow to prepare for what could be his final World Cup campaign.

Kohli has played four ODI World Cups so far and was part of India’s title-winning campaign in 2011. He has scored 1,795 runs in 37 World Cup matches, including five centuries and 12 fifties, at an average of 59.83 and with a highest score of 117. His overall ODI numbers are even bigger.

Kohli has scored 14,941 runs in 302 ODI innings. He has recorded 54 centuries and 79 fifties. He has also maintained an average of 58.59 in the format.

India will also play more ODIs against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as they build the squad for the upcoming World Cup. The focus will now be on giving players enough game time and finding the right combination before the 2027 tournament.