New Delhi, 26 September 2026: Indian cricket team's veteran batsman Virat Kohli has made his intentions clear regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli has said that the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup to be held in South Africa will be its first ODI World Cup for India. He added that he is fully prepared to do whatever it takes to get the trophy for India and win the World Cup. India's two experienced players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are currently focusing on this format at the international level and the series against West Indies will be a boost to their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
In a special conversation with the media before the first ODI match, Kohli talked about the challenges of the 50-over World Cup and his motivation. Kohli said, “The pressure and intensity of the 50-over World Cup is more than any other tournament. Maintaining performance at a high level for 10 matches in a big tournament is a big challenge. Playing in foreign conditions takes more effort.” He further added, “This will be my last World Cup for India, and this is my biggest motivation. I want to give my all on the field. Our aim is only to win the World Cup and I am ready to do everything for that.”
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Virat Kohli's amazing record in the World Cup
Virat Kohli ranks among the most successful batsmen in ODI World Cup history. So far, he has scored 1795 runs in 37 matches of the ODI World Cup at an average of 59.83, which includes 5 centuries and 12 half-centuries. In his entire ODI career, Kohli has scored 14941 runs in 302 innings at an average of 58.59, in which 54 centuries and 79 half-centuries have been recorded.
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Rohit Sharma also gave an important statement
On the other hand, Indian team captain Rohit Sharma also talked about his goals and said that he does not see the World Cup as an incomplete task. Rohit said, “As long as you play cricket, there is always a challenge to push new boundaries. Playing against different teams and different conditions in ICC tournaments gives a different thrill. We are excited for this new journey.”
The first match of the ODI series between India and West Indies will start at 2 pm on Sunday. With this match, India will try to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while for experienced players like Kohli and Rohit, this will be the first step in a long World Cup journey.