Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are already looking ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 as India prepare to begin their new home season with a three-match ODI series against the West Indies. With
both stalwarts now playing only one format at the highest level, the upcoming World Cup could carry added significance for the two veterans.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of the first ODI, Virat Kohli opened up about the intensity of a 50-over World Cup and revealed that the 2027 edition will be his final World Cup for India.
Virat Kohli targets World Cup glory
Kohli highlighted the unique demands of a 50-over World Cup, particularly the challenge of maintaining intensity throughout a long tournament played in foreign conditions.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” Kohli said, explaining how the format demands sustained effort across several high-pressure games.
The former India captain admitted that knowing this will be his final World Cup is a major source of motivation. Kohli made it clear that his focus will be on giving everything he has in pursuit of another World Cup triumph with India.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation,” Kohli said. “The goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”
Rohit Sharma eyes another World Cup challenge
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, spoke about the prospect of another World Cup and insisted that there is always something to look forward to as long as a player continues to represent India.
The India star dismissed the idea that his previous World Cup experiences represented the end of his journey, instead focusing on the challenges that lie ahead in 2027.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to,” Rohit said.
He also pointed towards the unique nature of ICC tournaments, where teams face different opponents across multiple venues and conditions. According to Rohit, such tournaments require players to adapt their preparation and mindset accordingly.
With the 2027 World Cup scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, both Kohli and Rohit will be entering the tournament with significant experience behind them. As India begin their ODI preparations, the focus will gradually shift towards building a strong side capable of challenging for the biggest prize in 50-over cricket.
