After his much-anticipated return to international cricket, questions about Virat Kohli’s participation in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup have once again started circulating. The former Indian captain, who has already retired from Test and T20 formats, has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia — a move that has reignited discussions about his long-term plans.
Selectors’ Comments Raise Doubts
Earlier, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be part of India’s 2027 World Cup plans. His statement sparked widespread debate among fans and cricket experts, with many questioning whether India can afford to move forward without two of its most successful batters in limited-overs cricket.
Dinesh Karthik Shares an Inside Insight
Veteran Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has now added fuel to the conversation by revealing that Virat Kohli is determined to play the 2027 World Cup. Without directly naming Agarkar, Karthik criticized the suggestion of excluding Kohli and Rohit, saying the 36-year-old batter is still passionate and fully committed to representing India in major tournaments.
According to Karthik, Kohli spent much of his break from international cricket training intensively in London, focusing on fitness and batting drills to stay at his peak. “He didn’t just rest during his time away from the game — he worked harder than ever,” Karthik said in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“Kohli Is the Backbone of India’s Batting Lineup”
Karthik went on to highlight Kohli’s importance to India’s batting structure, emphasizing that the team’s aggressive style often revolves around his presence at the crease.
“Whether it’s Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, or KL Rahul all of them play with freedom because they know Virat Kohli can handle the pressure if things go wrong,” Karthik said. “He’s the one who stabilizes the innings and gives others the confidence to attack.”
The former wicketkeeper-batter praised Kohli’s consistency and mental strength, calling him “the rock that holds India’s batting together in challenging conditions.”
Can Kohli Make It to 2027?
If Kohli does aim for the 2027 World Cup, he will be 38 years old by then but his fitness and form suggest he may well defy age. Having maintained exceptional standards throughout his career, Kohli’s potential participation could add both experience and leadership to India’s lineup.
For now, his return to ODI cricket has offered fans a glimmer of hope that the Indian superstar might extend his legacy a little longer, possibly culminating in another shot at World Cup glory.
