Virat Kohli: No pressure to prove worth for 2027 ODI World Cup

Virat Kohli has said he has nothing left to prove in cricket and would only consider playing the 2027 ODI World Cup if he feels he can continue contributing meaningfully to the Indian team.

The 37-year-old, who retired from T20 Internationals after India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup and brought the curtains down on his 123-Test career last year, is currently active only in the ODI format.

Kohli played 13 ODIs last year and scored 651 runs. He returned to the IPL this season after last representing India in January and has already smashed three centuries in the ongoing tournament.

Speaking about the possibility of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli said he would not chase selection unless he believed he could still add value to the side.

"If I can add value to the environment that I'm a part of and the environment feels like I can add value I'll be seen," Kohli said on a podcast of his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

"When I arrive to play, I put my head down, ⁠I work ‌as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. And I play the game in the right way.

"I prepare for the fact that I will field 50 overs every ⁠ball like it's the last ball I'm going to play in my career, and I will bat that way and I will run between the wickets that way, and I will do everything possible for the team.

"After operating like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth and value, that place is not meant to be for me. And I am very clear in my head from that perspective."

The former India captain has played 311 ODIs, scoring 14,797 runs at an average of 58.71. Only Sachin Tendulkar, with 18,426 runs, has scored more in the format.

Now in his 17th year of international cricket, Kohli has faced questions over his consistency, especially after back-to-back ducks against Australia last year. However, he responded with strong performances against South Africa and New Zealand.

"Look, if you go to your workplace, and if people say we believe in your abilities, and then a week later they start questioning the way you operate, it's like, why?" Kohli said.

"Either tell me on day one I'm not good enough or I'm not needed. Or if you've said I'm good enough and you say we're not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet."

The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.