Virat Kohli has been winning hearts with his stunning performances in the ongoing IPL 2026. Amidst his heroics, the former India captain has made a strong and emotional statement about his future and the constant talks around his ICC World Cup 2027 dream.
Kohli has been in sensational form in the ongoing IPL 2026 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In 12 matches, the batting superstar has already smashed 484 runs at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165.75. He is currently sitting third in the Orange Cap race.
Virat Kohli sends strong message to Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir about his India future
The way the dashing right-handed batter has dominated bowlers this season has reminded fans of his peak years, bringing back memories of his famous “eat, sleep, century” phase. Many have already started discussing whether Kohli is preparing himself for the ICC World Cup in 2027.
During a recent RCB Podcast with Mayanti Langer, Kohli sent a strong message to Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. He made it very clear that he still has the hunger and commitment to keep going, but only in an environment where his efforts and value are respected properly.
Virat Kohli said in the RCB video: “My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I’m part of and the environment also feels I can add value, then I’ll be there. If I’m made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and value, then that is not the right space for me because I know how honestly I prepare and approach the game.”
He continued, “I put my head down and work hard every single day. I’m very thankful to God for everything I have gotten in my cricket career, and I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity, and when I arrive to play, I put my head down and give everything possible for the team.”
Virat Kohli warns BCCI against any judgment
The Indian batting legend explained that he still prepares every single day with full honesty and discipline. He stressed that he can run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI without any complaint because he prepares himself that way and will do everything possible for the team.
In a strong message to Agarkar and Gambhir, Virat Kohli made it clear that he would not like to be in a situation where he is constantly judged and has to prove his worth. He said that there should be clarity from the beginning instead of changing opinions after one or two bad performances.
The RCB icon further noted, “Either tell me on day one I'm not good enough or I'm not needed, or if you've said I'm good enough and you say we're not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet because I know what I can deliver in terms of effort.”
Virat Kohli refuses to prove himself again and again
Virat Kohli also revealed that he no longer plays the game to silence critics or prove himself to anyone, but he loves the game and focuses on giving everything possible whenever he steps onto the field. The 37-year-old admitted that his return to domestic cricket changed his mindset completely.
Kohli added, “After giving this much effort and commitment, if I still have to prove my worth and value again and again, then maybe that place is not meant for me, and I am very clear in my head from that perspective.
That's why when I went back to play, I was very clear in my head. I'm not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I’m playing because I love cricket.”
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The former Indian captain pointed out that playing without pressure and simply enjoying batting again made him feel fresh and excited like his early days. Kohli stressed that performances can never be guaranteed in sport, but his effort and commitment should never be judged.
The dashing right-handed batter said that his lifestyle, fitness routine, training, and preparation continue throughout the year, and that’s why he feels ready whenever the team needs him.
Playing a World Cup for India is amazing: Virat Kohli
Addressing the nonstop questions about his 2027 World Cup dream, Kohli strongly made it clear that retirement is not on his mind at all, saying if he is still playing cricket, then naturally he wants to continue representing India. However, he also stressed that the relationship between a player and the team environment should work both ways.
Virat Kohli signed off by saying, “It's because I like living that way. It's not only playing cricket. So, that's where I am. I've been asked so many times, "Do you want to play 27?" Why? I know the answer. Why would I leave my home and 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 and I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing, but as I said, the value has to be two-sided.”
The most anticipated, the one that we've all been waiting for... 𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝘁. 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶. 🎙️❤️
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2026
VK18 talks about his state of mind, playing with purpose, his Test career, leading India in the whites, the 2027 ODI World Cup and much more. 🔥
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