India batter Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 50-over World Cup will be his final tournament for India. The 37-year-old made the announcement on Saturday during an interview with broadcaster JioStar, ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
Kohli Sets Timeline for International Swan Song
Kohli enters the closing phase of an international career that has already seen him step away from T20 internationals and Test cricket. Having retired from the shortest format in 2024 and tests in 2025, the leading century-maker in One Day Internationals now represents India exclusively in the 50-over format. Speaking to JioStar, Kohli stated that the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will mark his final appearance for the national team.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told JioStar. “That is my motivation and like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”
The 2027 event will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup. He previously won the tournament on home soil in 2011 and featured in the 2023 final defeat against Australia. Across his career in the format, he has accumulated 14,941 runs, placing him second behind Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 18,426 runs.
Physical Demands of the 50-Over Format
Addressing the unique challenges of the tournament schedule, Kohli highlighted the extraordinary physical toll required to compete across 10 matches at peak intensity. The 2027 competition is jointly scheduled across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October to November.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity,” Kohli said. “But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. 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 Commits to Upcoming Campaign
Fellow veteran and former captain Rohit Sharma, who also plays exclusively in the ODI format for India, addressed his own international future ahead of the series opener against the West Indies. Rohit indicated that he retains full motivation to pursue another World Cup trophy.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished,” Rohit said. “As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup.”
Kohli and Rohit were both named to the squad for the series against the West Indies, which begins with the opening match in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
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