Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has addressed ongoing questions about his future in international cricket, particularly regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup. He expressed his desire to avoid an environment where he has to constantly prove himself, despite his dedication and hard work.
In a recent podcast with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli shared his thoughts on his relationship with cricket and the pressure surrounding his place in the Indian team. The 37-year-old now focuses solely on ODIs after retiring from T20Is post the 2024 T20 World Cup and stepping away from Test cricket last year.
Kohli emphasized, “I want to be in a place where I can add value. If I feel I need to prove my worth repeatedly, that’s not the environment for me. I’m fully committed to my preparation and the way I approach the game.”
He mentioned that he continues to train with the same intensity that has characterized his successful career. “I put in the hard work, and I’m ready to run the lengths for 40 overs in an ODI,” he said.
As questions about his involvement in the upcoming World Cup remain prevalent, Kohli reassured fans of his readiness. “I live my life in a way that I’m always prepared,” he said. He stressed that he enjoys the game and, although he values participating in major tournaments like the World Cup, he insists that respect and commitment should be mutual.
Reflecting on his experience in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, where he scored 208 runs in just two matches, he said he rediscovered the joy of batting. Kohli remarked that when he shifted his mindset to simply enjoying the game, it improved his performance.
He also voiced frustrations about the pressure on players in similar positions, comparing it to any workplace where opinions can change based on outcomes. “If someone believes I’m not good enough, they should say so outright. Otherwise, it creates unnecessary tension,” he added.
Kohli remains one of cricket’s greats, with an impressive ODI record of 14,797 runs in 311 matches. He finished as India’s top run-scorer in ODIs last year despite limited appearances and has already made a strong start in the current season. After the IPL, Kohli is set to return to international duty for the ODI series against Afghanistan starting June 14.
