Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian cricketer and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stalwart, has sparked discussions about his potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 36, Kohli’s enduring commitment to the sport and exceptional fitness levels suggest he may extend his illustrious career to feature in the tournament scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
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Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, expressed confidence in his protégé’s longevity in international cricket. Speaking in December 2024, Sharma stated, “Virat is still very fit and not too old to retire. I believe that Virat will play cricket for five more years. Virat will also be seen playing in the 2027 World Cup.” ​
Former Pakistan opener Salman Butt echoed this sentiment, highlighting Kohli’s dedication and supreme fitness. In November 2023, Butt remarked, “With how fit Virat Kohli is and the dedication with which he plays, I don’t see any reason why he won’t play for another four years.” ​T
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Adding to the chorus of support, India’s head coach as of July 2024, Gautam Gambhir, backed both Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue until the 2027 World Cup, provided they maintain their fitness. Gambhir emphasized, “I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage… both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them.” ​
Kohli’s recent performances underscore his enduring prowess. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, he emerged as the leading run-scorer, amassing 765 runs in 11 innings and earning the Player of the Tournament accolade. ​
While Kohli has not publicly confirmed his intentions for the 2027 World Cup, the endorsements from his coach, former players, and cricketing authorities, coupled with his unwavering dedication, suggest that fans might witness his masterful batting on the global stage once more.