Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has spoken candidly about his international future and the possibility of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup during a conversation on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast. Kohli said he will continue playing as long as he feels he can add value to the team environment and his contribution is respected.
He said, “My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment I’m part of and the environment also feels I can contribute, I will continue playing. But if I am made to feel that I need to prove my worth and importance, then I don’t want to be in that place.”
Kohli added that he remains completely honest with his preparation and commitment to the game. The former India captain said he is ready to go to any extent for the team, including fielding tirelessly for long hours during ODI matches without complaint.
“I play every ball as if it’s the last ball of my career. I bat, run between the wickets and give everything possible for the team,” he said, stressing that after such dedication, he does not want to be in an environment where he has to constantly justify himself.
The batting legend also reflected on his return to domestic cricket for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly two decades. Kohli said he played purely for the love of cricket and enjoyed batting without the pressure of proving anything to anyone.
“As soon as I started enjoying the game again, all the pressure disappeared. I felt like a kid again,” Kohli said.
His comments have once again fueled discussions surrounding the atmosphere within Team India. Speculation had intensified after Rohit Sharma and Kohli both announced their retirement from Test cricket last year. The two veterans now feature only in ODIs, and reports have repeatedly suggested that their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup is still uncertain.
There were also reports claiming tensions within the Indian setup involving head coach Gautam Gambhir, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, although none of them publicly addressed the speculation. The debate gained further momentum after Rohit Sharma was removed from captaincy following the 2025 Champions Trophy.
