Virat Kohli Eyes 2027 ODI World Cup Glory, Puts Retirement Rumours To Rest: 'The Next Big Step...' | WATCH

Virat Kohli has offered a glimpse into his ambitions for the 2027 World Cup, following intense speculation about his future after playing a pivotal role in India's triumph at the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The 36-year-old stepped away from T20I cricket after securing the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompting questions about whether he might also retire from ODIs after another major ICC title.

Photo Credit: PTI

With the 2027 World Cup still two and a half years away, the future of seasoned players like Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and captain Rohit Sharma remains a hot topic as India begins planning for the quadrennial tournament, which the Men in Blue last won in 2011.

Kohli, the only current player from that victorious 2011 squad led by MS Dhoni, may yet aim to become the first Indian to lift the coveted trophy twice.

Virat Kohli's Hint at the 'Next Big Step'

During a recent event, Kohli was asked to reveal the 'next big step' in his career. The Indian batting maestro's response strongly suggested he has no intention of abandoning the ODI format just yet.

"The Next Big Step. I do not know. Maybe try to win the next World Cup," Kohli said, met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Having retired from T20Is, Kohli will miss the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, meaning his next ICC outing could be the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Additionally, he could feature in the 2027 World Test Championship final (WTC) if India qualifies, scheduled just months before the global showdown in Africa.

Kohli is widely hailed as one of the finest batsman in ODI cricket history. With 51 centuries-the highest by any player in the format-he also ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in 50-over cricket, amassing 14,181 runs.

The two-time Champions Trophy winner's legacy continues to grow as he eyes further glory.