Virat Kohli said that next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa will be his last for India, and that he is ready to give his all to lift the trophy.
Kohli, who is the leading century-maker in ODIs, only plays the 50-over format for India now, having retired from the Test and T20I formats over recent years.
He has scored 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs for India at an average of 58.59 and strike-rate of 93.95.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday.
“That 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, I’m absolutely ready.”
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The 37-year-old also emphasised the intensity required in the competition, saying, “The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal.”
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who also plays only ODIs, reiterated his motivation to play at the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished,” Rohit said.
“As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup.”
Published on Sep 26, 2026
