 "Virat Kohli confirms he wants to play in 2027 ODI World Cup: 'Next big step. I don't know, but maybe...'")
Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the next ODI World Cup which will take place across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. The 36-year-old batter will be 38 by the World Cup but he has no plans to slow down.
Kohli’s confirmation came during an event in Mumbai when he was asked about his future plans.
“Staying in the present. Any hints about the next big step,” Kohli was asked by the host.
In reply Kohli said: “The next big step? I don’t know, but maybe try to win the next World Cup.”
VIRAT KOHLI AT THE 2027 WORLD CUP.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2025
- Kohli confirms World Cup as his next big step. 🐐🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/SJExtQIHtk
This is big news for the Indian cricket team as Kohli was the team’s highest run-getter in the last World Cup in 2023 at home as he amassed 765 runs in 11 matches but India lost to Australia in the final. Kohli has won the ODI World Cup once in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
He also featured in 2015 and 2019 World Cups. Both times the Men in Blue’s campaign ended in the semi-finals.
Kohli retired from the T20Is after winning the World Cup in 2024 and will now hope to bid adieu to the game of cricket by winning his second ODI World Cup.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsKohli set to face increased scrutiny
However, it’s not going to be easy. With growing age, there will be increased scrutiny of his batting form.
Recently, Kohli courted a lot of criticism after scoring just 190 runs in five Test matches in Australia. He, however, redeemed himself by scoring 218 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025 as India won the title by beating New Zealand in the final.
In the ongoing IPL 2025, Kohli has scored 90 runs in two matches so far including a fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Coincidentally, Kohli expressing his desire to play for India till the 2027 ODI World Cup came on a day news agency ANI reported that the star batter is set to be retained in the A+ category of BCCI's central contracts .
It will be a big decision by BCCI considering Kohli has already retired from T20Is.
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