Virat Kohli, reflecting on his motivations for the 2027 ICC World Cup, emphasises his determination to make this tournament a memorable farewell. “It’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India, and that is my motivation – to leave everything out there,” Kohli remarked in a candid conversation with Abhinav Mukund. His objective is clear: bring the World Cup home.
Kohli concedes there is a lingering feeling of “unfinished business” after the 2023 ODI World Cup loss to Australia. “There is a little bit of that,” he admitted, revisiting the disappointment in Ahmedabad. For Kohli, India seemed certain victors given their formidable form throughout the tournament. Yet, the abrupt shift in fortunes still stings, much like RCB’s IPL 2016 final loss.
Discussing the heartbreak, Kohli recalled, “I was playing on 54 and had set myself up for a big hundred… But as soon as I played on [to Pat Cummins], it was very tough to process.” Despite the bitter end, the camaraderie and momentum within the team during that World Cup were palpable. Kohli also highlighted Mohammed Shami’s crucial role in maintaining India’s strategy despite Hardik Pandya’s injury.
Kohli’s vision for an ideal World Cup farewell includes leading India to victory and sealing the win himself. “I’ve always been someone who, every game that we play I want to be the guy who wins us the game,” he expressed, harping on his desire to contribute significantly. Kohli’s dream scenario involves a match-winning knock in the finals.
Since shifting focus to ODI cricket exclusively, Kohli has refined his game. An impressive average boost—from 58.18 pre-2025 to 64.68—demonstrates his enhanced performance in the format. His approach has evolved, emphasising a pressure-free mindset and readiness to adapt his play style for higher-scoring opportunities.
He noted, “I promised myself that I’m going to play more freely… I’m very willing to take risks now because I know that [we] will get 350, 360 easy.” Kohli aims to impact matches significantly, ensuring personal satisfaction alongside team success.
Ahead of the 2027 World Cup schedule announcement on October 1, Kohli’s reflections are a mix of nostalgia, ambition, and honest self-assessment, all pointing towards his competitive edge and desire to bow out on a high.
