New Delhi, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Virat Kohli has set his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup, confirming that the tournament will be his last for India and revealing his dream of playing a match-winning innings in the final while chasing a target.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s ODI series against the West Indies, Kohli said his competitive instinct remains focused on being the player who helps India win matches. He stressed, however, that lifting the World Cup would matter more than any individual performance.
“I’ve always been someone who, in every game that we play, wants to be the guy who wins us the game,” Kohli said. “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 added that he would be equally satisfied if India won the trophy without him producing such an innings, saying the title would ultimately be the bigger achievement.
“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,” he said.
The 37-year-old batter also reflected on India’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final, admitting that the result was difficult to process for several days.
Kohli recalled being on 54 and feeling he had set himself up for a big score before being dismissed. He said the team had a strong belief throughout the 2023 campaign that it could win the tournament, making the final defeat particularly difficult.
“The whole World Cup was great; the environment was phenomenal. Within the team, you could see the camaraderie; everyone was happy playing for each other,” Kohli said.
Kohli, who was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, has now confirmed that the 2027 edition in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will be his fifth and final ODI World Cup. The ICC has also reported his confirmation that winning the tournament is his primary motivation.
Asked about his standing among the game’s greatest batters, Kohli declined to describe himself as the best ever, pointing to the achievements of players from different eras.
He said his priority throughout his career had been contributing to the team and combining experience, fitness, game awareness and motivation to help India achieve the desired result.
“As long as that answer is yes, and you mix up experience, your fitness, game awareness and motivation all together. So, I’m blessed that it’s still there, and I continue to be excited to play for the country, which is a great honour,” he said.
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