Paarl

Former South Africa cricketer Mark Boucher has expressed full confidence that Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli will feature in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Speaking to ANI in Paarl, Boucher said there were no concerns whatsoever regarding Kohli’s fitness, adding that the decision to play the tournament would rest solely with the former India captain.

“Virat is going to be there. There’s no doubt in my mind. He’s given up a couple of formats at the moment, but there’s nothing wrong with his fitness at all. It’s just about whether he wants to play,” Boucher said.

Emphasising Kohli’s importance to the Indian side, Boucher noted that the team still relies heavily on the experience of senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“We’ve seen in India that when Rohit and Virat are not there, especially in Test cricket, it leaves a hole. India needs him. And I think the World Cup in South Africa would be a better tournament if Virat Kohli is involved. For India, it would be fantastic if he is there as well,” he added.

Kohli, who has retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, has been in exceptional form in the 50-over format. After back-to-back ducks in Australia in October 2025 raised questions about his future, the 35-year-old has responded emphatically.

Since then, Kohli has played six 50-over matches — four ODIs and two Vijay Hazare Trophy games — without scoring below 50. His recent run includes three half-centuries and three centuries.

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In the three-match ODI series against South Africa in November–December, Kohli registered scores of 135, 102 and an unbeaten 65, underlining his continued dominance in the format.