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Virat Kohli Announces Final World Cup for India
Developing
In Short: Virat Kohli announced on Saturday that the 2027 World Cup will be his final tournament for India's national cricket team. Speaking to broadcaster JioStar, Kohli stated, 'For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India.
Kohli, who has scored 14,941 runs in ODIs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426, has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket, focusing solely on the 50-over format.
The 37-year-old batter, known for his intensity and skill, emphasized the demanding nature of the 50-over World Cup, saying, '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.
Former captain Rohit Sharma, who also plays only ODIs for India, expressed his continued motivation for the upcoming World Cup campaign. Rohit and Kohli both retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket with the goal of winning the 50-over World Cup together.
The 2027 edition, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will mark Kohli's fifth ODI World Cup. Kohli and Rohit have been teammates since Kohli's third year in international cricket, with Rohit failing to make the squad initially due to poor form and fitness.
What this adds
Kohli's retirement from ODIs after the 2027 World Cup is a significant moment in his career, as he aims to secure a victory in the 50-over World Cup alongside Rohit Sharma.
What's still developing
- Virat Kohli said next year’s 50-over World Cup would be his last for India and he is ready to give his all to help lift the trophy.
- “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday.
- Kohli said the demands of a 50-over World Cup made it one of cricket’s toughest challenges, particularly with the tournament set to be played away from home.
- The leading century-maker in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli, announces 2027 World Cup will be his swansong for India.
- As Rohit and Kohli announced their T20I retirements on the same night, and then called time on their Test careers barely a week apart the following year, the goal was clear: win the only ICC tournament they haven’t won together, and the one that matters most, the 50-overs World Cup.
- Also Read: Why 38-year-old Virat Kohli became more fearless, expressive and attacking after retiring from Test cricket Kohli appears to be a certainty for next year’s World Cup in South Africa unless something goes horribly wrong.