Virat Kohli on retirement plans: ODI World Cup 2027 will be my last for India

Star India batter Virat Kohli has dropped a retirement bombshell, confirming that the ODI World Cup 2027 in southern Africa will be his last tournament for India. Kohli is all set to make his comeback in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies beginning on Sunday, September 27.

Having retired from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and from Tests in May 2025, Kohli now only plays the 50-over format. However, the star batter has plans to bid adieu to the last format soon, as he wants to end on a winning note in the World Cup.

“Also now, it’s in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. 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. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup, and whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready,” said Kohli while speaking to JioStar.

Kohli also spoke about his batting approach in recent years, revealing how he has shed the weight of expectations and plays more freely.

“What’s changed is, firstly, I promised myself that I’m going to play more freely. I’m not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me. My role had always been, for a long period of time, that I’m going to stabilise things,” he added.

More to follow…