Virat Kohli says he still has the hunger to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, but only if he feels valued within the Indian set-up.
Speaking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s podcast, the 37-year-old made it clear that he has no interest in constantly justifying his place in the team.
“I am always ready because that’s my daily life. You know, I work out, we eat well at home. It is because I like living that way. It is not only to play cricket,” Kohli said.
Addressing speculation around the 2027 World Cup, he added: “I know the answer. Like, why would I leave my home, you know, get my stuff over and be like, I don’t know what I want. Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket. I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing. But as I said, the value has to be two sides.”
Kohli stressed that mutual trust between player and environment is essential.
“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am part of, and the environment feels that I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I am not in that space,” he said.
Having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, Kohli now only features in ODIs, a format with a shrinking calendar. His next likely India assignment is the three-match ODI series in England in July.
The batting great said he would continue as long as he remains wanted in the system.
“I put my head down, I work hard. When I arrive to play, I work as hard if not harder than anyone else and I play the game in the right way,” he said.
Reflecting on his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, Kohli said rediscovering joy in the game helped him reconnect with batting.
“I was very clear in my head that I am not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I am going there to play because I love playing the game.”
Kohli has 14,797 runs in 311 matches at an average of 58.71. He has amassed 54 centuries and 77 fifties during his ODI journey.
Published on May 15, 2026