‘If I have to constantly prove myself, I’m not in that space’ - Virat Kohli on 2027 World Cup ambitions

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has indicated that he wants to play the 2027 World Cup in South Africa and is currently at a stage in his career where he is playing purely for the love of the game. He is presently representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.

However, with more than a year still remaining before the World Cup begins, Kohli said he would like to evaluate several factors, particularly the prevailing environment. He added that if he is constantly required to prove himself, he may not be in the right frame of mind to continue.

“As for all the 2027 World Cup talk, honestly, we are still in mid-2026. I have been asked many times, ‘Do you want to play in 2027?’ Why would I leave my home, bring all my stuff here, and not want to play? Of course, if I am playing, I want to play for India. I want to be part of a World Cup. But the value has to be clear. My perspective is that if I can add value to the environment, I am part of, and the environment feels I can add value, I will be seen,” said Kohli in the RCB podcast.

“But if I am made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and value, then I am not in that space, because I am honest about my preparation and my approach to the game. I put my head down. I work hard. I am very thankful to God for everything I have been given in my cricketing career, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities I have had,” he added.

Kohli has retired from T20Is and Test cricket and now plays only ODIs and the IPL. Yet, despite spending less time on the field, he has rarely looked rusty. Recently, he enjoyed an outstanding run in ODIs, scoring three centuries and three fifties in just seven matches. If everything falls into place, Kohli could feature in his fifth ODI World Cup.

“When I arrive to play, I give my absolute best. I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else, and I play the game in the right way. If you want me to run boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI, I will do that without complaint because I prepare for it. I prepare to face 50 overs as if every ball could be the last of my career, and I bat and run that way, doing everything possible for the team,” said Kohli.

“After operating like this, if I am in a place where I still have to prove my worth, then that place is not meant for me. I am very clear in my head about that. That is why when I went back to play, I was clear that I was not going out to prove anything to anyone. I was going to play because I love playing the game. I just love batting and wanted to focus on that,” he added.