India and the West Indies are set to kick off their three-match ODI series on September 27, with both teams putting in rigorous training sessions ahead of the opener. World Cup 2027: Virat Kohli Retirement from International Cricket.
Following the England tour, Virat Kohli is all set to make his return to ODI cricket, much to the delight of fans. Ahead of the highly anticipated series, the batting superstar made a major statement about his international career, opening up about his retirement plans.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and the ICC has already announced the tournament schedule. Kohli has confirmed that he will be available for the tournament and revealed that it will be his last World Cup for India.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kohli said:
“This will be my last World Cup for India. That’s what motivates me. I will give everything I have on the field. No matter what it takes, I want to win the World Cup. That is my only goal, and I will do whatever is required to achieve it.”
The 2027 edition will mark Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup appearance. He has previously played in two World Cup finals and remains one of the tournament’s greatest performers.
Kohli Praises Captain Shubman Gill:
Kohli also spoke highly of India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill, expressing confidence in the young leader’s future.
“Gill is still learning the art of captaincy, as he is new to the role. But he has the right vision and enthusiasm to lead the team. His plans on the field are clear, and I believe he will take Indian cricket forward successfully. I am confident he will serve as India’s captain for a long time. He is always thinking differently on the field, and that’s what makes him special,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli has enjoyed an extraordinary career in ODI World Cups. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, having amassed 1,795 runs in 37 innings, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries.
Only Sachin Tendulkar stands ahead of him, with 2,278 runs in 44 innings. If Kohli performs as expected in the 2027 World Cup, he could become only the second batter to cross 2,000 World Cup runs, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
