Virat Kohli Celebrates ODI Win Amid Focus on One-Day Cricket

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has indicated his desire to participate in the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa, though he stated that his involvement is contingent upon whether he is valued and not required to constantly prove his worth to the team.

Speaking on a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) podcast in mid-2026, Kohli addressed ongoing speculation regarding his future in international cricket. He noted that while he wants to carry on playing for India, his participation in the 2027 tournament depends on the environment surrounding the team and whether his value to the squad remains clear.

Kohli emphasized that he has reached a stage in his career where he plays the sport primarily for a love of the game rather than a need for validation.

Conditions for Participation

During the discussion, Kohli explained that he would not be inclined to commit to the 2027 World Cup if he felt he was being forced to repeatedly justify his place in the side.

“We’re in mid-2026. I’ve been asked so many times, ‘Do you want to play ‘27?’ Why would I leave my home, get my stuff over, and be like, ‘I don’t know what I want.’ Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket, I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing. But the value has to be clear.”

Virat Kohli via RCB podcast

Kohli further clarified his position on his standing within the team, stating that if he is still required to prove his worth, then that environment is no longer the right place for him.

Current Career Focus and Form

Kohli has already retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, focusing his current professional efforts exclusively on One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) with RCB.

Despite periods of time away from the game, Kohli has maintained his performance levels through training in London. Following a six-month break in 2025, he recorded a strong return to ODI cricket, scoring three centuries and three fifties across seven matches.

Career Achievements

The cricketer’s potential pursuit of a fifth ODI World Cup follows a career marked by significant international and domestic success. His achievements include:

• A 50-overs World Cup title
• A T20 World Cup title
• Two ICC Champions Trophy titles
• An Indian Premier League title with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru

With more than a year remaining before the 2027 World Cup begins, Kohli indicated that he intends to assess several factors, specifically the current team environment, before making a final decision on his participation.