Virat Kohli Confirms 2027 Event Will Be His Last for India

Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament, with the India batter targeting one more title before ending his World Cup career.

Virat made the announcement ahead of India's three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The opening match is scheduled for Sunday, with the series forming part of India's preparations for the 2027 tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

"For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India," said Kohli. "That is my motivation... to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes," he said. "I'm absolutely ready."

Kohli has already stepped away from Test cricket and T20 internationals, leaving ODI cricket as his only international format. He was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning side under Mahendra Singh Dhoni and later played in the 2023 final against Australia.

He has scored 14,941 ODI runs and a record 54 centuries. His experience will be important to India's preparations as the team works towards another World Cup campaign, with the West Indies series providing an early opportunity to assess the squad.

Virat Set to Retire After 2027 World Cup

Kohli's announcement means the 2027 tournament will be his final World Cup appearance, although he has not separately confirmed when he will retire from ODI cricket. The tournament therefore marks the end of his career at the global 50-over event, rather than necessarily the end of his ODI career.

Kohli also highlighted the demands of playing a 50-over World Cup, particularly the physical and mental challenge of maintaining intensity throughout a long tournament in foreign conditions.

"The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything," Kohli said. "And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal. Also now, it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you."

Rohit Sharma, 39, retired from T20 internationals alongside Kohli after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup but remains available for the ODI side. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the experience of both players continues to benefit the squad with the next World Cup one year away.

"I actually believe the team environment is brilliant. Everyone knows there is just one year to go for the World Cup," said Kotak.

With the announcement now official, Virat Kohli says 2027 World Cup will be his last, giving India one final World Cup campaign with one of the most prolific ODI batters in the format's history.