Virat Kohli ended the 2023 ODI World Cup as the top scorer. India were undefeated throughout the ODI World Cup 2023, which was held in India. However, they lost the most important game of the tournament in the final. Australia beat the hosts to clinch their fifth World Cup title, and India ended as runners-up. The next edition is scheduled to take place in 2027, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Some players, like David Warner, Quinton de Kock, and a few others, retired after the 2023 edition, and we might see more retirements in the coming years. But for Indian fans, the burning question remains: Will Virat Kohli play in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Recent Updates on Virat Kohli’s Participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup
Adding fuel to the anticipation, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach recently made a bold statement on Twitter. According to Dainik Jagran, Kohli’s coach said, “Virat will play cricket for 5 more years. He will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.” This announcement has delighted fans, reaffirming their hopes of seeing the cricket legend in action during the next World Cup.
Virat Kohli's Childhood coach said "Virat will play cricket for 5 more years, he will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup". [Dainik Jagran] pic.twitter.com/asxp5cwZjM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2024
Will Virat Kohli play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Virat Kohli is in the final half of his international career, having been active for more than 15 years now. Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, announced their T20I retirement after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. After claiming the Player of the Match award in the final against South Africa, Virat decided to step away from T20Is.
However, he continues to be available for India in ODIs and Tests. With India’s packed schedule, senior players often take breaks to stay fresh for key tournaments. Retiring from T20Is allows Virat to focus on the other two formats. Upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship final 2025 are already on his radar.
Read Also:- Virat Kohli Captaincy Record in All Format
Virat Kohli is still just 35 years old. Given his exceptional fitness, it seems he has another 3–4 years of cricket left in him. With the ability to manage his workload and take sufficient breaks, there is a good chance he will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir also backed Kohli, saying, “One thing I can be very clear of is that both of those guys (Virat and Rohit) have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia coming up, they will be motivated. Hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, they will make the 2027 World Cup.”
These statements, coupled with his coach’s recent remarks, indicate that Kohli’s presence in the 2027 ODI World Cup is highly probable.
FAQ
Will Virat Kohli play the ODI World Cup 2027?
With fitness on his side, Virat Kohli is likely to play in the 2027 ODI World. His childhood coach and head coach Gautam Gambhir have both backed him to continue his cricketing journey for several more years.
Who has scored most runs in ODI World Cup history?
Sachin Tendulkar (2278) and Virat Kohli (1795) are the top two scorers.
Who scored most runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Virat Kohli scored a total of 765 runs in the tournament, which is also a record in a single edition of the World Cup.
