Bengaluru

Virat Kohli has made it clear that his future in international cricket—including the possibility of playing the 2027 World Cup—will depend on whether he feels genuinely valued by the team environment, not on being asked to repeatedly prove himself despite years of commitment and preparation.

Speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast, Kohli said his approach to the game remains unchanged and that he continues to prepare throughout the year as if he could be called up at any time.

“If I can add value to the environment and the environment feels I can add value, I will be there. But if I am made to feel that I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space,” Kohli said.

The 37-year-old, who now plays only One-Day Internationals after retiring from T20Is following India’s 2024 World Cup triumph and stepping away from Test cricket last year, said his dedication to fitness, preparation, and match intensity remains absolute.

Kohli stressed that whenever he steps onto the field, he gives everything—whether that means batting with full intensity or running “boundary to boundary for 40 overs” for the team. He said after operating with that level of commitment, he does not see the need to constantly justify his place.

Reflecting on his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi after nearly two decades, Kohli said the experience reminded him why he fell in love with cricket in the first place. He described feeling “like a child again,” playing purely for the joy of batting rather than to prove anything to anyone.

Addressing constant questions about the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli said the decision is straightforward from his side. If he continues playing, it is because he wants to contribute to Indian cricket—but that commitment must be mutual.

Kohli remains one of ODI cricket’s greatest batters, with nearly 15,000 runs and 54 centuries for India national cricket team. Despite limited ODI opportunities in recent seasons, he finished last year as India’s leading run-scorer in the format and has continued that form in 2026.

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After the IPL, Kohli is expected to return to international action in India’s ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team beginning June 14.