Virat Kohli said next âÂÂyearâÂÂs 50-over World Cup would be his last for India and he â is ready to â give his all to help lift the trophy.
The leading century-maker in ODIs with 54 hundreds, has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket â and now only represents India in the 50-over format.
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The 37-year-old batter, who has scored 14,941 runs in one-day internationals, second only to Sachin TendulkarâÂÂs 18,426, won â the World Cup on home soil in 2011 before suffering defeat in the 2023 final against Australia.
The 2027 edition, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October to November, will be KohliâÂÂs fifth ODI World Cup.
âÂÂFor me, itâÂÂs the âÂÂlast World Cup IâÂÂm going to play for India,â Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday.
âÂÂThat is my motivation and like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, IâÂÂm absolutely ready.âÂÂ
Kohli said the demands of a 50-over World Cup made it one of cricketâÂÂs toughest challenges, particularly with the â tournament set to be played away from home.
âÂÂThe intensity of â a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, itâÂÂs about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity,â he said.
âÂÂBut you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain â that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal. Also now, itâÂÂs in â foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of â you.âÂÂ
Former captain Rohit Sharma, who also plays only ODIs for India, said he remained fully motivated by the prospect of another World Cup campaign.
âÂÂThe thought will never cross my mind that the business I âÂÂhad is finished,â Rohit said.
âÂÂAs long as youâÂÂre playing, there is always something to look forward to. And IâÂÂm looking forward to the World Cup.âÂÂ
Kohli and Rohit were âÂÂboth âÂÂnamed in IndiaâÂÂs squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The opening match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.