Virat KohliRegarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of his generation, he has retired from Tests and T20s, but the 50-over format remains his strongest domain. With 14,797 runs in 311 ODIs at an astonishing average of 58.71 and a strike rate of 93.82, including 54 centuries and 77 fifties, Kohli remains one of India’s most valuable players in white-ball cricket.Amid growing speculation over whether he will participate in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, Kohli made it clear that he is fully prepared to continue representing India, provided the relationship between the player and the team remains one of mutual respect and value.Speaking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s podcast shared on the franchise’s official X-handle, Kohli spoke about his current mindset towards international cricket and his long-term future.Kohli said that as long as he feels he can contribute meaningfully to the environment and the team believes in the value he brings, he is more than willing to continue playing. However, he made it equally clear that he no longer sees himself in a phase where he has to constantly “prove” his worth. “My vision is very clear. If I can add value to the environment I’m a part of and the environment feels I can add value, then I will be seen. If I feel like I need to prove my value and my worth, I’m not in that place. Because I’m honest with my preparation,” he said.“I’m honest about how I approach the game. I keep my head down. I work hard. I’m very thankful to God for giving me what he’s given me in my cricket career. And I feel very blessed and grateful for this opportunity. And when I get to play, I keep my head down.” Kohli added. Kohli added that his preparation standards are as intense as ever, insisting that he still approaches every ODI with determination and energy.“I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. And I play the game the right way. You want me to run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI? I’ll do it without complaint. Because I prepare accordingly. I prepare for the fact that I’m going to feel, 50 overs, every ball like it’s the last ball I think I’m going to play. And that’s how I will bat. And I will run between the wickets like this. And I will do my best for the team. After working like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth, that’s not the place for me,” he continued.Addressing the constant chatter around the 2027 World Cup, Kohli admitted that he knows the answer inside out about his desire to continue.“I’m always ready because it’s my everyday life. You know, I exercise, we eat well at home. It’s because I like living this way. It is not just about playing cricket. So that’s where I’m at. I mean, this 27 (2027 World Cup) chat and all that, honestly, for me, it’s like, we’re like mid-26. But I’ve been asked many times, do you want to play 27?” he said.“I know the answer. Like, why would I leave my house, you know, get rid of my stuff and that’s it, I don’t know what I want. Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket. I want to continue. It’s amazing for India to play the World Cup. But like I said, the value has to be two-way,” Virat concluded.
