Virat Kohli termed "fully ready" for 2027 ODI World Cup

Team India’s next big assignment will start on February 7, 2026, when, under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, the Indian team enters to defend their defending champions title in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host. However, this time, fans don't seem as excited about this tournament, primarily because this will be the first time in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup that neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli will be participating. The popularity of both players is undeniable, and their absence is clearly impacting the enthusiasm for this World Cup.  The usual buzz surrounding a T20 World Cup is noticeably absent among fans.

Nevertheless, there's a different kind of excitement among fans worldwide, especially Indian fans, for the ODI World Cup scheduled to begin approximately 22 months from now. They are eager to see Rohit and Virat lift the trophy in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players have seemingly put their careers on the line for this World Cup in South Africa. Currently, these two legendary batsmen are playing in India's premier domestic 50-over tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

Virat Kohli scored a brilliant century against Andhra Pradesh, making 131 runs off 101 balls, and against Uttarakhand, he made 77 off 61. Before this, against Australia and South Africa, his cricket scores were 0, 0, 74*, 135, 102, and 65*, showing his hunger for batting and the nation’s victory. Although he has retired from T20Is and ODIs, he is still playing in ODIs with the ultimate aim of winning the ODI World Cup 2027. 

Following Kohli’s stellar performance, many cricket experts believe he will definitely participate in the World Cup hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Meanwhile, his childhood coach also feels that Virat is ready for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. He praised his batting in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, where Kohli is making a return after a 15-year gap. 

“He is in brilliant form. He batted very well and helped Delhi secure victory. He played domestic cricket after a long time but still performed exceptionally. He is the most consistent player in the Indian team and is fully prepared for the World Cup,” said Rajkumar Sharma. 

Virat Kohli’s next international assignment begins on January 11, when India hosts New Zealand in a 3-match ODI series. In 2025, Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.10 and a strike rate of 96.15. He appears to be in top form, including 3 centuries and four half-centuries. He contributed significantly to India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory and led in the ODI series against South Africa, too. And now, before heading to the New Zealand series, he aimed to strengthen Delhi’s position in the ongoing VHT 2025/26.