Kohli to quit international cricket after 2027 World Cup

Indian star batter Virat Kohli is moving towards the final chapter of his international career. After retiring from Tests and T20s, he now plays only ODIs. Now the Indian batter sees the upcoming ODI World Cup as the last major stage of his career.

After making his international debut in 2011, Kohli has performed consistently across all three formats for a long time. So far, his tally stands at 28,359 runs in 562 matches. With 85 centuries, he is second on the list of highest century-makers in international cricket.

Kohli has played an important role in India's various international title wins, including the ODI and T20 World Cups. Having bid farewell to Tests and T20s at the latter stage of his career, he remains one of the team's most important members in ODIs.

The ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe from October 4 to 21 next year. Kohli has expressed his desire to play in a World Cup for India one last time at that tournament. In his words, although this World Cup in different conditions is an extra challenge for body and mind, that very challenge inspires him to give his best.

Kohli performed brilliantly in the last ODI World Cup in 2023. He was the highest run-scorer in the tournament with 765 runs. Highlighting the physical and mental pressure of the 50-over World Cup this time as well, Kohli said maintaining the same intensity across nearly 10 consecutive matches is a big test for a cricketer.

Kohli has so far played 37 matches in the World Cup. In 37 innings, his tally is 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83. He has five centuries and 12 fifties. Kohli needs another 484 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's 2,278 runs, the highest in ODI World Cups.

Kohli has also made his position clear regarding his goal for the last World Cup. He has said winning the World Cup is his main goal. The Indian star batter has also said he is ready to do everything necessary to reach that goal.