Major update on Virat Kohli's future & participation in ODI World Cup 2027
(Courtesy : BCCI/X)
Virat Kohli will play his fifth World Cup for India if he is picked for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s future in international cricket has continued to attract enormous attention as India are looking to start their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027. The legendary cricketer, despite having stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, remains a crucial part of the ODI setup.
With this World Cup scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, India would rely heavily on their highly experienced batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
While some Indian selectors are planning for a wider cycle, some are valuing the experience of the senior batters under the completely different conditions in Africa.
Virat Kohli reportedly backed for 2027 ODI World Cup
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According to the latest report by News 24 senior journalist Vaibhav Bhola, the 37-year-old has the backing of several key decision-makers within the Indian cricket board for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The report also claimed that only one individual is strongly opposing Kohli continuing until the tournament.
He also claimed that the relationship between that person and the veteran Indian cricketer is extremely strained. However, he did not reveal the person’s true identity or the reasons their relationship is allegedly soured.
However, the report also stated that Kohli, despite all odds, will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup and will retire only on his own terms. Earlier this year, it was reported that Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir were in favour of Kohli’s selection, which made him an automatic choice.
Virat Kohli himself has given several clear indications regarding his mindset on playing for India in the World Cup. He said several times that he is not in a position to prove his capability. Gambhir had also previously backed former Indian captains Rohit and Kohli to continue towards the 2027 World Cup.
There has been no official announcement confirming Kohli’s retention for the World Cup, but the reports have favoured the Indian great. Virat remains one of India’s most decorated World Cup campaigners.
Having played for India in four ODI World Cups since 2011, Kohli has one title and 1,795 runs with five centuries and twelve half-centuries. He is also the second-highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup history, following the great Sachin Tendulkar.
How many World Cups has Virat Kohli played for India?
Virat Kohli has played 10 World Cups for India (4 ODI World Cups and 6 T20 World Cups).
How many Indian cricketers have played five World Cups?
Only one Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, has played in five or more ODI World Cups, having actually appeared in a record six editions (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011).
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