Virat Kohli has made his intentions for the 2027 ODI World Cup very clear — he wants to keep playing and hopes to be part of India’s campaign in the marquee tournament. With the World Cup set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the next edition could become one of the most important chapters of Kohli’s incredible ODI career.
Since retiring from Test cricket, Kohli appears to have unlocked a different version of himself. There is more freedom in his batting, more willingness to take risks and a fearless approach that has made him look as hungry as ever.
Virat Kohli is 37, but his body language reflects something else altogether. At a stage when many cricketers start taking things a little easier, Kohli continues to train hard, remain ruthless and bring the same intensity that has defined his career.
The only time his batting appeared to be in serious trouble was around the beginning of 2022, when his form was scratchy and he was also dealing with the fallout of being removed as India’s captain. But once Kohli moved past that phase, he roared back.
He ended his century drought, produced that unforgettable knock against Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup, became India’s leading run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup and continued to establish himself as one of the greatest white-ball batters of all time.
And yet, the current version of Kohli feels different.
Kohli 3.0 is all about freedom
Kohli has spoken about changing his mindset and allowing himself to play with greater freedom rather than constantly thinking about expectations.
For years, Kohli was India’s chase master. His role was often to stabilise the innings, bat deep and take the team towards the target. But now, he wants to take more risks when the situation allows it.
“I promised myself that I’m going to play more freely. I’m not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me,” Kohli said while speaking about his new approach.
That change in mindset is also helping him in the IPL. Kohli has explained that he now has greater faith in the players around him and does not want to constantly think about what will happen if he gets out.
He simply wants to express himself.
And that is perhaps the most exciting part of this stage of his career.
Kohli understands how modern ODI cricket is changing
Throughout his India career, Kohli has always tried to stay in tune with the changing nature of the game.
When fitness became a major part of Indian cricket, he led from the front. When fielding standards improved, he set an example. And now, with teams regularly pushing towards 340 and 350-plus totals, Kohli understands that India also needs to think differently.
He believes India should be capable of scoring 350-360 when conditions are good and teams are willing to take risks.
For Kohli, that means being willing to attack earlier and then using the later stages of an innings to accelerate even further.
It is a completely different mindset from the Kohli who was once expected to carry the entire innings on his shoulders.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s unfinished World Cup dream
There is another emotional side to the 2027 World Cup — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could get one more opportunity to win the ODI World Cup together.
India last won the 50-over World Cup in 2011. Kohli was only beginning his international career at that time, while Rohit Sharma did not make India’s squad.
Years later, both became two of the biggest names in Indian cricket.
The 2015 World Cup in Australia, the 2016 T20 World Cup, the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 ODI World Cup all ended without the trophy India wanted.
Then came the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
India had dominated the tournament and reached the final unbeaten, but Australia ended the dream in Ahmedabad.
The curse finally broke in 2024 when India won the T20 World Cup. Kohli and Rohit announced their T20I retirements on the same night, while both later moved away from Test cricket as well.
Now, the ODI World Cup remains the big prize they have not won together.
And that is what makes 2027 so special.
Kohli wants to give everything for India
Kohli has already made it clear that playing for India at a World Cup remains a huge motivation for him.
He has said that if he gets the opportunity to play in 2027, he wants to give everything he has because a 50-over World Cup demands an incredible level of intensity over a long tournament.
The 2027 edition will also be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, making conditions and travel another major challenge for the players.
Kohli’s mindset is simple — if he is there, he wants to give everything for India.
That is the same attitude that has followed him throughout his career.
What about Rohit Sharma?
Rohit Sharma’s future in the 2027 World Cup is still not officially settled. He currently plays only ODI cricket after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Rohit himself has said that October 2027 is still far away and that his participation will be decided closer to the tournament.
But if Rohit and Kohli do make it to the World Cup together, it will be another emotional chapter in the story of two players who have spent years carrying Indian cricket forward.
They have won a T20 World Cup together. They have experienced some of India’s greatest victories and most painful defeats together.
But the ODI World Cup remains unfinished business.
And perhaps that is exactly what makes the 2027 World Cup so exciting for Indian cricket fans.
Virat Kohli is not thinking about slowing down. He has found a new freedom, a new hunger and a new way of batting. Whether 2027 becomes his final ODI World Cup or another chapter depends on how his journey develops, but one thing is clear — if Kohli gets that opportunity, he wants to leave everything out there for India.
Because for a player who has already achieved almost everything in cricket, there is still one dream that can make the ending even more special: lifting the ODI World Cup for India one more time.
