Virat Kohli stated he will not participate in the 2027 Cricket World Cup if he must demonstrate his value to the team.
Virat Kohli, India’s former captain and one of the greatest 50-over batters ever, has declared he will not feature in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup if his role requires proving his worth to the team. Kohli, who helped India win the 2011 World Cup and was instrumental in last year’s Champions Trophy triumph, remains an active player in India’s ODI squad despite retiring from Test and T20 cricket.
In a conversation on the RCB Podcast, Kohli shared his perspective on how he approaches his selection. He said, '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.' He continued, 'If I'm made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I'm not in that space.' Kohli emphasized his dedication to the team, adding, '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.'
Kohli detailed how he prepares for every match, stating he treats each ball as if it were his last in his career. He said, 'You want me to run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI game, I will do that without a complaint. Because I prepare accordingly.' He added, '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.'
Kohli made it clear that if his presence in the team requires constant validation, he would rather step aside. He stated, '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.' He also expressed frustration over external perceptions, saying some people are 'trying to complicate it for me,' though he did not name anyone.
Kohli has played 311 one-day internationals, accumulating 14,797 runs at an average of 58.71. Only Sachin Tendulkar, with 18,426 runs, has scored more ODI runs than Kohli. Known for his prowess in chasing targets, Kohli’s average rises to 65.78 in the second innings of matches. In South Africa, where the 2027 World Cup will be held, he has an exceptional average of 76.38 from 20 ODIs.
Kohli addressed the inconsistency in how he is perceived by some within the team environment. He remarked, '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?' He concluded, '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.'