Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has expressed his desire to play in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. He mentioned that he is currently enjoying Cricket purely for its own sake. At present, he is playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
With over a year to go before the World Cup, Kohli emphasized the need to consider various factors, especially the current atmosphere around the game. He stated that if he feels pressured to constantly prove himself, it may not be the right situation for him.
“Regarding the 2027 World Cup, we are still in mid-2026. I’ve been asked often if I want to play in 2027. If I’m here, I want to play for India, especially in a World Cup. However, my role needs to be clear. If I can contribute positively, I’ll be part of it,” said Kohli on the RCB podcast.
“But if I feel I have to keep proving my worth, I don’t belong there. I am honest about my preparation and my approach to the game. I work hard and am grateful for what I’ve received in my cricket career,” he added.
Kohli has stepped back from T20Is and Test cricket, focusing only on ODIs and the IPL. Despite playing less, he has shown consistent performance, recently scoring three centuries and three fifties in seven ODI matches. If all goes well, this could be his fifth ODI World Cup.
“When I play, I give my best. I train hard and play the game earnestly. If you need me to run for 40 overs in an ODI, I’ll do it without hesitation because that’s how I prepare. I treat these matches seriously, thinking every ball could be crucial for my career,” Kohli stated.
“If I still need to prove my worth after that, then that environment isn’t for me. I’ve made it clear that I returned to play for the love of the game, focusing solely on my batting,” he added.