Virat Kohli, now 37 years old, is approaching this campaign as his final opportunity to win the World Cup in the 50-over format. The tournament will present
distinct tactical challenges, with fast, bouncy pitches in the Highveld and coastal conditions that differ significantly from subcontinental playing surfaces.
Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 World Cup will be his last ODI World Cup for India, and this clarity has sharpened his motivation for the campaign ahead. He wants to approach ODI cricket with greater freedom as he prepares for what will be his final World Cup tournament for the national side. His commitment to this final push reflects both his personal ambition and his desire to contribute meaningfully to India's World Cup aspirations.
"When you are playing a World Cup, it's not just about scoring or taking wickets. It's the moments in between. The intensity we show on the field, the thinking pattern you have between games, how do you bounce back from a bad loss, all those things matter a lot. It's going to take a lot," said Kohli to JioStar.
India's most recent World Cup campaign in 2023 provided valuable lessons for the team's preparation. India went unbeaten through the group stage and knockouts before losing the final to Australia in Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi Stadium. Reflecting on that tournament, Kohli acknowledged the progress made and outlined what lies ahead for the team's World Cup ambitions.
"2023 was a massive step forward, in terms of how we are progressing. We feel like we are very well placed to go all the way, but then again, it'll depend on our motivation, our fitness levels, our desire to put in the hard yards," said Kohli.
The intensity of a 50-over World Cup presents unique challenges that differ from other formats. Kohli explained the specific demands of the tournament format, noting that the compressed schedule and high stakes create an environment unlike any other cricket competition. He outlined the mental and physical dimensions that extend beyond traditional batting and bowling metrics.
India has a busy schedule ahead before the 2027 World Cup. The team is scheduled to play five ODIs in New Zealand and three against Sri Lanka later in 2026, followed by three ODIs against Zimbabwe at the start of 2027. These matches will provide crucial preparation time for the squad as it builds towards the tournament.
Kohli brings significant World Cup experience to India's campaign, having scored 1,795 runs in 37 ODI World Cup matches at an average of 59.83, with five centuries and 12 fifties. In his overall ODI career, Kohli has accumulated 14,941 runs in 302 innings at an average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 79 fifties. His highest ODI score stands at 183, and he maintains a strike rate of 93.95.
