Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Kohli targets final World Cup hurrah as India prepares West Indies series
Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has declared the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India, vowing to give everything to secure the trophy. The 37-year-old, speaking ahead of the West Indies series, said winning the tournament remains his paramount goal.
LSN India ·
Virat Kohli has set his sights on one final World Cup campaign, declaring the 2027 edition hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will be his last opportunity to win the trophy for India. The batting superstar made the announcement ahead of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, emphasizing his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the title.
"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," Kohli stated in remarks to JioStar.
The 37-year-old, who now competes exclusively in ODI cricket, has previous World Cup experience having featured in India's 2011 triumph under MS Dhoni's captaincy. With his 38th birthday approaching in November, Kohli underscored the unmatched intensity of a 50-over World Cup format. He noted that the tournament demands sustained excellence over ten high-intensity matches, distinguishing it from shorter formats.
Kohli's declaration comes at a critical juncture in his career, as he pursues what could be the crowning achievement of his international odyssey. His focus on the 2027 tournament signals a concentrated effort to secure India's next World Cup crown.