In a recent development that has brought genuine cheer to millions of cricket fans across India, Virat Kohli’s long-time mentor and childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has clarified that the batting great
has no plans to retire from international cricket immediately after the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli who turned 38 earlier this month, currently plays only the 50-over format for India.
He stepped away from T20 Internationals after the 2024 World Cup victory in the Caribbean, where he was named Player of the Match in the final, and retired from Test cricket in May 2025 after a distinguished 14-year red-ball career that yielded 9,230 runs in 123 matches.
With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, speculation had been growing that the tournament would mark the end of Kohli’s international journey. The star batsman himself had fuelled those talks by stating that the 2027 event would be his last World Cup for India.
Speaking at a Delhi and District Cricket Association event, Rajkumar Sharma said, “Virat said that this would be his last World Cup, not his last match for India. He said that because the World Cup does not come every year. It comes once every four years.”
Virat Kohli’s Coach Rajkumar Sharma on retirement speculation of Virat Kohli after 2027 World Cup:
– “Virat said it would be his last World Cup, not his last match for India. Yes, he said his last World Cup because World Cup comes only once after 4 years”. 🥹❤️ (Sports Fact). https://t.co/IIvOINvTgl
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) November 10, 2026
Virat Kohli may continue playing bilateral ODIs beyond 2027 World Cup
While Kohli has drawn a clear line under future World Cups, he has left the door open for bilateral series and other ODI assignments beyond 2027, provided form and fitness allow. At an age when many players begin to struggle with fitness, Kohli continues to maintain elite fitness standards and remains one of India’s most consistent performers in the format.
The star batter is currently part of the Indian side playing a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. He marked his return to the format with a fluent 74 in the rain-affected first match and remains central to India’s plans heading into next year’s global event.
For a generation of supporters who have grown up watching Kohli chase targets and play monumental innings, the coach’s words offer plenty of happiness. The former Indian captain may be entering the final chapter of his international career, but that chapter is not yet ready to close. The 2027 World Cup will be a landmark and he can continue playing bilateral cricket even after that.
