Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has made his future plans crystal clear: he is determined to bring home the next ODI World Cup, set to take place in 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Kohli, who has long been at the forefront of Indian cricket, addressed rumours surrounding his career after India’s victory in the 2023 Champions Trophy in Dubai. Despite the ongoing speculation, Kohli confirmed that he has no intention of stepping away from international cricket anytime soon. In fact, the 36-year-old has expressed his desire to clinch another ICC title before he hangs up his boots.
KOHLI’S COMMITMENT TO THE 2027 WORLD CUP
Recently, Kohli attended an event in Mumbai where he was asked about his future ambitions and the “next big step” in his career. The host’s question prompted a clear response from the right-handed batter.
“The next big step? I don’t know, but maybe try to win the next World Cup,” Kohli said, sparking a round of applause and cheers from the audience.
This statement is a clear indication that Kohli remains focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup, a tournament he hopes will end India's 16-year wait for another title. The last time India lifted the trophy was in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
2023 WORLD CUP AND INDIA'S NEAR MISS
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli was the tournament's top run-scorer. However, despite his stellar performance, India fell short in the final, losing to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This defeat was particularly heartbreaking for Indian fans, as it marked another missed opportunity for the team following their semi-final exits in the 2015 and 2019 editions.
KOHLI REFLECTS ON HIS CAREER
Kohli, who retired from T20 Internationals after India’s victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup, has faced increased scrutiny regarding his future, especially after a relatively underwhelming tour of Australia. In that series, Kohli scored just 190 runs in nine innings. However, the star batter proved his worth in the Champions Trophy, with a memorable century against Pakistan and a crucial 84-run innings against Australia in the semi-final.
Reflecting on his disappointing Australian tour, Kohli acknowledged the frustration he felt at the time. “If you ask me the intensity of how disappointed I've been… the most recent Australia tour would be the most fresh one. So, it might feel the most intense to me,” he said during an event before the IPL 2025 season began. “But I can’t look at it that way. I might not have another Australia tour in me in four years. I don’t have the chance to correct it. So you have to make peace with whatever’s happened.”
A SOLID START TO IPL 2025
Despite the earlier challenges, Kohli has kicked off the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in style. In the opening two matches, he has already scored 90 runs, including a half-century against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, showcasing that he is far from past his prime.
With his eyes set on the 2027 World Cup, Kohli’s passion for the game and determination to help India clinch another ICC title remain unwavering. Indian fans, no doubt, will be hoping that Kohli can end the country's long wait for World Cup glory.
.jpg?generation=1743606196091840&alt=media)
