Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is in the headlines amid widespread uncertainty about his availability for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Now, a TOI journalist has provided a major update on the Indian legend’s World Cup participation.
Legendary Indian batsman Virat Kohli has retired from both formats of international cricket and now plays only the 50-over format. Having contributed extensively to international cricket, Kohli has distinguished himself across the longest and shortest formats of the game.
After announcing his retirement from Test cricket last year ahead of the start of the latest edition of the ICC World Test Championship in 2025, Kohli returned to international cricket with India’s tour of Australia. Since then, he has played several promising innings in the one-day format.
key points
- Virat Kohli is reportedly expected to play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
- After retiring from Test and T20 cricket, Kohli currently plays only ODI cricket for India.
- His fitness and recent ODI form are reportedly the major reasons behind the positive outlook.
- Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar will reportedly be involved in the final decision on Kohli’s World Cup participation.
Journalist confirms Virat Kohli’s participation in 2027 Cricket World Cup
Kohli’s availability for ICC World Cup 2027 is a big question revolving in the minds of cricket pundits. Virat’s fitness never puts him on the back foot and his form has also not been under question.
While Virat Kohli’s record favors him to participate in the 2027 ICC World Cup, the final decision has to be taken by Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and Indian selectors board chief Ajit Agarkar.
Kohli is currently playing in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore and has scored big runs with his bat, while hitting the ball with complete confidence. He is likely to be seen in India’s upcoming ODI series.
Virat Kohli is playing 2027 CWC 110%..
TOI Sports… pic.twitter.com/pEtJxR4Tn3
– Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) 8 May 2026
Virat Kohli’s great fitness gives him edge over Rohit Sharma for the World Cup
Virat Kohli will always be remembered as one of the fittest players in the history of the game. Having set high standards for the Indian team and the future generation of cricketers, Kohli’s fitness prowess can never be challenged.
Hence, Kohli will not have to struggle with fitness; However, the other veteran cricketer and former captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma has always been on the backfoot regarding fitness.
Playing in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, Sharma missed about five matches for them in the season due to a hamstring injury, which caused him to struggle for much of the season. However, Rohit’s form since retiring from the longest format has also been commendable.
Can Kohli become the first Indian star to win two World Cups in his career?
Virat Kohli, as a young player, was a part of the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup squad for India and led them to the title as captain of the Indian team. After this he was immediately included in the Indian ODI team and since then he has been an integral part.
Kohli was part of the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup squad and also scored his maiden World Cup century in his World Cup debut. After playing the final, Kohli played crucial innings against Sri Lanka in that prestigious win.
If Kohli is successful in winning the upcoming World Cup in 2027, he has a chance to become the first cricketer from India to be a part of two 50-over World Cup-winning teams.
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