Virat Kohli has addressed the biggest question surrounding his future — whether he will play the 2027 ODI World Cup for India national cricket team. While the star batter has stepped away from Test cricket and T20Is, he has not completely ruled out continuing in the ODI format. His latest comments have now sparked fresh excitement among fans.
Kohli revealed that his future in international cricket depends on one major factor — feeling valued within the team environment. The former Indian captain explained that he does not want to continue playing just for the sake of it. Instead, he wants to remain part of a setup where his contributions and experience are genuinely respected.
The batting icon also spoke about his mindset and dedication toward the game. According to Kohli, his intensity has not dropped at all despite spending more than a decade at the top level. He said he still trains with complete commitment and is ready to give everything on the field whenever he represents India in ODI cricket.
Even at 37, Kohli’s ODI numbers remain extraordinary. He is closing in on 15,000 ODI runs and already has 54 centuries in the format. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, he finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and played a crucial role in India’s journey to the final.
Why did Virat retire from Test cricket, and will he play the 2027 World Cup or not?
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) May 15, 2026
Virat has answered everything: https://t.co/WshqgB7ita pic.twitter.com/WdSn1TMJk1
Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan also recently backed senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue in ODI cricket. Dhawan believes that experienced players can still handle the physical and mental demands of the format, especially with a lighter workload compared to earlier years.
Although Kohli has not officially confirmed his availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup, his recent remarks suggest that the door is still open. If he continues enjoying the game, maintains his fitness, and feels important within the team setup, fans may still witness one final World Cup campaign from one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batters.