The Next ODI World Cup Will Be His Last, Kohli Ready to Give Everything to Win the Trophy

The upcoming ODI World Cup is set to be Indian batting star Virat Kohli’s final World Cup in his international career. In a recent interview, he himself revealed this decision. At the same time, he made it clear that he is ready to give his absolute best to lift the trophy for India.

Kohli, who holds the record for the most ODI centuries with 54, has already retired from T20I and Test cricket. He currently represents India only in the 50-over format. The 37-year-old batter has scored 14,941 runs in ODIs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the format after Sachin Tendulkar, who has 18,426 runs. Although Kohli experienced the joy of winning the World Cup on home soil in 2011, he also endured the disappointment of losing the 2023 final to Australia.

The upcoming World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will be the fifth ODI World Cup of Kohli’s career.

Speaking to broadcaster JioStar, Kohli said, “For me, this will be my last World Cup for India. That is my main motivation to give everything I have on the field. Our main goal is, of course, to win the World Cup, and I am ready to do whatever is necessary for that.”

Speaking about the challenges of the World Cup, he further said, “The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything else. You have to play matches that are almost like playing 10 T20s within 20 to 25 days, and maintaining that physical and mental intensity is not easy. Besides, playing the tournament away from home puts a lot of additional pressure on the players.”

Like Kohli, former India captain Rohit Sharma is also currently playing only ODI cricket. He too is equally excited about the upcoming World Cup. Rohit said, “The thought that the job is done never comes to my mind. As long as you are playing, you always have to look forward to something new. I am looking ahead.”