Indian cricketer Virat Kohli confirmed he would be available for the next World Cup
Virat Kohli has made his ambitions crystal clear—he has his eyes set on the next ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. After India’s triumphant campaign in the Champions Trophy in Dubai under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, speculation had been mounting regarding Kohli’s future in international cricket. However, the seasoned batter has once again reassured fans that he has no plans of stepping away just yet. Instead, he is determined to clinch another ICC trophy before eventually calling time on his illustrious career.
During a recent event in Mumbai, where he made an appearance representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli was quizzed about the “next big step” in his cricketing journey. The host playfully hinted at possible future plans, asking, “Staying in the present. Any hints about the next big step?” Without hesitation, the Indian batting stalwart responded with conviction, “The next big step? I don’t know, but maybe try to win the next World Cup.” His words instantly ignited excitement among the audience, drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd.
Kohli was the highest run-getter in the 2023 ODI World Cup, demonstrating his exceptional batting prowess throughout the tournament. However, despite his heroics with the bat, India fell agonizingly short in the final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was another heartbreak for Indian fans, who had been longing for an ODI World Cup victory since MS Dhoni led the team to glory in 2011.
In the years that followed, India’s journey in the prestigious tournament saw disappointing exits—losing in the semi-finals in both the 2015 and 2019 editions before suffering a painful defeat in the 2023 final. Kohli, who had already bid farewell to T20Is after guiding India to a historic T20 World Cup win last year, faced intense scrutiny over his future, especially following an underwhelming tour of Australia, where he managed to accumulate only 190 runs in nine innings.
However, proving yet again why he is regarded as one of the finest cricketers of his generation, Kohli silenced all doubters with a spectacular performance in the Champions Trophy. He showcased his brilliance by notching up a century against Pakistan and followed it up with a match-winning 84-run knock in the semi-final against Australia.
With the hunger for success still burning bright, Kohli remains steadfast in his mission to bring home another World Cup trophy, solidifying his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketing icons.
