New Delhi: Indian batting star Virat Kohli has set his sights firmly on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, acknowledging that the tournament in South Africa could be his final ODI World Cup. Kohli said he wants to make the opportunity memorable and is prepared to give everything required to help India win the title.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s ODI series against the West Indies, Kohli highlighted the intensity and pressure associated with the 50-over World Cup. He said ODI cricket has become increasingly fast-paced, with the demands on players now resembling those of T20 cricket.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything else. You have to play 10 matches with the pressure and pace of T20 cricket. In a way, you are playing the equivalent of two-and-a-half T20 matches in a day,” Kohli said.
He added that maintaining the same level of energy and performance across 10 matches is extremely challenging, particularly when the tournament is played in overseas conditions. According to Kohli, such circumstances require greater preparation, energy and mental strength.
Kohli’s Motivation: Winning the World Cup
Kohli said the possibility of the 2027 tournament being his final World Cup is itself a major source of motivation. He made it clear that his primary objective will be to help India lift the trophy.
“For me, this will be my last World Cup playing for India. That is my biggest motivation. You try to give everything you have on the field. Obviously, the goal is to win the World Cup, and I am completely ready to do whatever it takes for that,” Kohli said.
Impressive World Cup Record
Kohli has been among the most prolific batters in World Cup history. According to the information provided, he has played 37 ODI World Cup matches, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. His highest World Cup score is 117.
Across his ODI career, Kohli has scored 14,941 runs in 302 innings at an average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 79 half-centuries. His highest ODI score is 183, while his career strike rate is 93.95.
Kohli has also enjoyed a strong record in the T20 World Cup, scoring 1,292 runs in 35 matches at an average of 58.73. He has recorded 15 half-centuries in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament in 2014 and 2016.
Rohit Sharma Also Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Former India captain and senior batter Rohit Sharma also spoke about the World Cup and said he does not view winning the ICC title as something that would simply complete his career.
Rohit said that as long as a player continues to compete, new challenges keep emerging. He added that World Cups and ICC tournaments bring different challenges because teams face different opponents and play in different conditions, requiring players to prepare and think accordingly.
