Virat Kohlihas set his sights on delivering a match-winning performance in a World Cup final, expressing his personal ambition as India prepares for the 2027 tournament. The batter's focus on this specific milestone reflects his competitive drive heading into what will be his final World Cup appearance for the country. Kohli has featured in two previous World Cup finals, winning the 2011 edition and losing to Australia in the 2023 final.
Kohli spoke about his aspirations during the lead-up to India's
ODI series against the West Indies. The first match of the series takes place on September 27, with subsequent ODIs scheduled for September 30 and October 3. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, running from October 4 through November 21.
"I've always been someone who, in every game that we play, wants to be the guy who wins us the game. I'm made that way; that's never going to go away from me. So, my goal is to win as many games as I can for the team, and my dream is to play a match-winning knock in the finals while chasing a score," Kohli said on JioStar.
Balancing individual dream with team success
Kohli acknowledged that while his personal dream holds significance, India's primary objective remains securing the World Cup trophy itself. He recognised the rarity of competing at the World Cup level and the importance of prioritising the team's ultimate goal. The batter's perspective reflects a balance between individual ambition and collective success.
"If it happens, great. If it doesn't happen, we win the World Cup, I'll be as happy because eventually, you understand that, as much as that competitive nature is there, it's the last time you're getting to play a World Cup. So, winning that trophy is the most important thing," Kohli said.
The satisfaction of match-winning performances
Kohli emphasised the satisfaction that comes from performing under pressure as a batter. He described the experience of stabilising the team's position during challenging moments as a key motivator for competing at international level. His competitive instinct remains central to his approach, even as he acknowledges the broader team objectives.
"If I have the opportunity to do it, as an individual staying there out in the middle, there's nothing more satisfying as a batsman. You visualise yourself pulling the team out of trouble. And that's what makes you compete at this level. So, I don't want to let go of that competitiveness. But yeah, the bigger goal is always greater," Kohli said.
Kohli's current form provides a strong foundation for the upcoming challenges. In 2026, he has accumulated 384 runs across six innings at an average of 64, including one century and three fifties. This performance demonstrates his readiness for the demanding schedule ahead.
India's preparation for the World Cup extends beyond the West Indies series. The team will contest five ODIs in New Zealand and three against Sri Lanka during the latter part of 2026. Three additional ODIs against Zimbabwe in early 2027 will complete the build-up to the World Cup.
Kohli now competes exclusively in ODI cricket for India following his retirement from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. This focus on the 50-over format aligns with his preparation for the World Cup campaign.
