“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: India star batter Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 50-over World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament for India, saying he is determined to give everything to help the team win the trophy.

Kohli, 37, has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket and now represents India only in the ODI format.

The veteran batter is the leading century-maker in ODI cricket with 54 hundreds. He has scored 14,941 runs in ODIs, behind only former India great Sachin Tendulkar, who finished with 18,426 runs.

Kohli won the 2011 World Cup on home soil and was part of India’s campaign in the 2023 edition, when the team lost the final to Australia.

The 2027 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October to November, will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup.

“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 … 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.”

Kohli highlights World Cup challenge

Kohli said a 50-over World Cup presents one of cricket’s biggest physical and mental challenges because of the intensity and length of the tournament.

He said playing around 10 matches at a high level requires sustained intensity, particularly when the competition is held in foreign conditions.

“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything,” Kohli said, comparing the workload with the shorter T20 format.

He added that the tournament format could take a significant physical toll on players because of the demands of maintaining a high level of performance throughout the competition.

Rohit Sharma remains motivated

Former India captain Rohit Sharma, who like Kohli now plays only ODI cricket, also said he remained motivated by the prospect of competing at another World Cup.

“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.”

Kohli and Rohit have both been included in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

The opening match of the series is scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.