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India National Cricket Team batting great Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament. The former captain revealed his plans ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against West Indies, making it clear that winning the World Cup will be the motivation driving him towards the next edition.
Virat Kohli remains an important part of India’s ODI setup despite having retired from Test and T20I cricket. With the 2027 World Cup set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the upcoming series against West Indies will be another opportunity for him to build towards what he has now described as his final World Cup campaign.
Virat Kohli set to return to action against West Indies
Kohli will return to ODI action when India face West Indies in the first match of the three-game series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, with the series concluding in New Chandigarh on October 3.
The series marks another ODI assignment for Kohli in 2026, a year in which he has already scored 384 runs from six innings. He has averaged 64.00, with one century and three fifties, while striking at 106.66.
Kohli also has a formidable ODI record against West Indies. In 43 matches, he has scored 2,261 runs from 41 innings at an average of 66.50. His record against the Caribbean side includes nine centuries and 11 fifties, with his highest score being 157.
The West Indies series also gives Kohli another chance to add to his remarkable ODI career numbers. He currently has 14,941 runs from 314 matches and 302 innings, leaving him only 59 runs short of the 15,000-run landmark.
Virat Kohli confirms 2027 World Cup plan, vows to do “whatever it takes”
Speaking to JioStar, Virat Kohli explained that the prospect of one final World Cup has given him a clear source of motivation. The veteran batter also made it clear that his focus will be on giving everything possible to help India win the tournament.
"For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India & that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready," he said.
Kohli has already been part of four ODI World Cups, beginning with India's victorious 2011 campaign. He was also involved in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions, with the 2023 tournament being particularly memorable as he finished as the leading run-scorer.
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Virat Kohli's stats in the ODI World Cup and other major tournaments
Kohli has accumulated 1,795 runs in 37 ODI World Cup matches, averaging 59.83. He has five centuries and 12 fifties in the tournament, with a highest score of 117.
His record in the 50-over Asia Cup is equally strong. Across 16 ODI matches, Kohli has scored 742 runs at an average of 61.83, including four centuries. He has also featured in 18 Champions Trophy matches, scoring 747 runs at an average of 74.70, with one century and six fifties.
Kohli's performances in major tournaments have also included strong numbers in knockout matches. In seven Champions Trophy and World Cup semi-final appearances, he has scored 366 runs at an average of 73.20, including one century and three fifties.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Thiruvananthapuram ODI stats, records in sight vs WI
