Indian cricketer Virat Kohli confirmed on Saturday that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final appearance at the global 50-over tournament, bringing into view the closing chapter of one of India’s most celebrated international careers.

Speaking to JioStar, the former India captain said the next World Cup will be his last and that the prospect of signing off on the biggest stage is driving him to give everything for the team.

“Also now, it’s in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there,” Kohli said.

He also highlighted the unique demands of a 50-over World Cup, describing its intensity as greater than any other format.

“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal,” he added.

From 2011 triumph to 2023 record-breaking run

Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 before featuring in his first World Cup in 2011 on home soil. He announced himself on the biggest stage with a century against Bangladesh in India’s opening match.

In the final against Sri Lanka, Kohli contributed a crucial 35 off 49 balls and shared an important 83-run partnership for the third wicket with Gautam Gambhir as India lifted the World Cup trophy after a 28-year wait.

Four years later, Kohli was a senior figure in India’s 2015 World Cup campaign and began the tournament with a century against Pakistan. India, however, were eliminated by Australia in the semi-final.

Kohli subsequently led India at the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. He scored five consecutive half-centuries during the tournament before India were knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final.

765 runs in 2023 World Cup

Kohli was removed as India’s ODI captain in December 2021 and featured in the 2023 World Cup under Rohit Sharma. India reached the final but suffered a defeat against Australia.

Despite the result, Kohli enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 765 runs at an average of 95.62. His tally included three centuries and six fifties.

Kohli subsequently retired from T20 internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph and announced his Test retirement in May 2025.

With both those international formats now behind him, Kohli remains active in ODI cricket and continues to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. The 2027 World Cup, therefore, is set to mark his final international assignment in the 50-over format.