Former India wicketkeeper and cricket analyst Dinesh Karthik has made a major revelation regarding Virat Kohli’s cricketing future, stating that the star batter is fully committed to featuring in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. The tournament, set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will take place when Kohli is 39 years old — but age is clearly not a deterrent for the former Indian captain.
Kohli’s Comeback: Training in London, Return to ODIs
Karthik shared that Kohli, despite a break from competitive cricket since the end of IPL 2025, has been training diligently in London. “He is serious about wanting to play the World Cup 2027,” Karthik said in a video shared on Instagram. “During this big layoff, he’s been practising cricket 2-3 times a week. He’s keen and focused.”
Kohli has not played any international cricket since the Champions Trophy earlier this year, and he has already retired from Test and T20I formats. However, he has now been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19.
Still a Force: Kohli’s Form, Fitness, and Experience
Even at 36, Kohli’s fitness and performance levels remain elite. He had a stellar run in IPL 2025, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71 — among the best for top-order batters.
His ODI stats since 2023 are equally impressive: 1,710 runs in 34 innings at an average of 61.07 and a strike rate of 95.8. Kohli’s proven record in Australian conditions — 1,327 runs in 29 ODIs at an average of 51.03, with five centuries and six fifties — adds weight to his World Cup ambitions.
Karthik expressed full confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver on the big stage. “If he is around, there is no tension. He knows what it takes to perform under pressure, and he has done it time and time again. I’m confident he will do it again,” he said.
Kohli’s overall ODI tally stands at 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88, making him the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234). With just 53 runs separating him from Sangakkara, Kohli is expected to move into second place during the upcoming Australia series.
