Virat Kohli targets 2027 ODI World Cup amid retirement speculation

Will Virat Kohli retire from cricket? Despite a tough run in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Virat Kohli he remains focused on his future. Reports suggest that the former Indian skipper is determined to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, dismissing all speculation of retirement.

Kohli’s tough test

The 2024 season was one of the most challenging years in international cricket for Kohli. He managed just one century during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 190 runs in nine innings at a modest average of 23.75.

His firings followed a worrying pattern. All eight times he was caught fishing outside the off-stump, the bowlers exploiting his vulnerability to both spin and pace. Kohli’s footwork seemed to slow down after his only hundred in Perth, compounding his problems.

Big questions surround Kohli and Rohit

Kohli’s struggles came with a dismal streak for Rohit Sharmawho managed just 31 runs in five innings. The pair’s poor performances have raised questions about their Indian Test future.

“It would be very difficult for selectors to pick Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli based on IPL performance or form,” the former selector told PTI. “There must be some red cricket for them in the lead-up to England tour.”

The Anthony de Mello Trophy in England is India’s next red-ball challenge, starting in five months. However, both Kohli and Rohit have not featured in domestic red cricket for years. Kohli last played a Early trophy game in 2012, while Rohit last played in 2015.

Domestic cricket or workload management?

The 2025 Ranji Trophy season could provide an opportunity for the duo to prepare for the England series. But there is a catch. The Ranji Trophy schedule overlaps with England’s white-ball tour of India. There are reports suggesting that Kohli, Rohit and Jasprit Bumrah could skip that batch to manage their workload.

If they skip both the Ranji Trophy and the bilateral series, their only preparations for the red ball will be the India ‘A’ matches or warm-up matches in England. Even then, those matches would come after a busy IPL 2025 season.

Kohli is not thinking about retirement

Unlike Rohit Sharma, who recently confirmed his intention to continue playing, Kohli has not addressed the media about his career plans. However, a PTI report claims that he is “in no mood” to retire and remains focused on achieving more in international cricket.

Head coach Gautam Gambhiraddressing the media after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he put the ball in Kohli and Rohit’s court. “They are tough people with hunger. They will decide what is best for Indian cricket,” Gambhir said.

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