Kohli announces the 2027 World Cup will be his last for India.

The story began fifteen years ago at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. A 22-year-old Virat Kohli announced his arrival on the ODI World Cup stage with an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the 2011 tournament. After that innings, many felt that this young man would one day hold major records in World Cup history.

A decade and a half later, Kohli now stands on the verge of the final World Cup of his career. The Indian star has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India. He revealed this decision during an interview with Star Sports.

"This is my last World Cup."

The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Kohli also spoke about the physical and mental challenges of playing in overseas conditions.

In his words, "The games will be played in different overseas conditions, which puts extra pressure on the body and mind. However, for me, this is the last World Cup for India. And that is my main motivation—to give my absolute all in the battle on the field."

Previously, Kohli retired from T20 Internationals after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. He also stepped away from Test cricket in 2025. Now, his focus in international cricket is solely on ODIs.

Kohli's extraordinary World Cup record

Kohli tasted World Cup glory in his very first tournament. He subsequently played in three more World Cups: 2015, 2019, and 2023.

Starting with that unbeaten 100 against Bangladesh in 2011, he has amassed 1,795 runs in World Cups to date. He scored these runs across 37 innings at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. The only major milestone ahead of him for India in the World Cup is Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 2,278 runs; Kohli needs another 484 runs to surpass that record.

Kohli was the highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup. He scored 765 runs in 11 matches—a record for the most runs by a batter in a single tournament.

What makes the 50-over World Cup unique?

Even in the era of T20's popularity, the 50-over World Cup holds a special significance for Kohli. This is because one must maintain the same level of intensity across almost every match in such a long tournament.

Kohli says, "The intensity of the 50-over World Cup is far greater than anything else. You have to play around 10 matches with the same intensity found in T20 cricket. In reality, it feels like enduring the physical and mental strain of two-and-a-half T20 matches in a single day."

Preparations for the 2027 World Cup have already begun. Earlier this year, the ICC announced that Kohli is fully committed to playing in the 2027 World Cup and is continuing his preparations for ODI cricket.

One goal for the final World Cup—the title

Kohli won the World Cup on home soil in 2011. Although India reached the final in 2023, they lost to Australia. Now, with the final World Cup of his career on the horizon, his objective is clear.

"Winning the World Cup is certainly the goal. I am ready to do whatever it takes to achieve that," Kohli said.

India has several ODI series lined up as part of the preparations for the 2027 World Cup. The next phase begins with a three-match series against the West Indies. Following that, there are ODI series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, as well as a scheduled three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe prior to the World Cup.

The World Cup journey that began in Mirpur in 2011 with an unbeaten century now has its final chapter set—2027, in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. And leading up to that final chapter, Kohli’s own words make his goal clear: an attempt to win the World Cup for India one last time.