Virat Kohli sets sights on final world cup glory.

Batting with freedom, chasing one last dream.

Virat Kohli has made it clear- the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last in Indian colours, and his ultimate mission is to lift the trophy. As India begins a new ODI cycle with the series against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, Kohli has revealed a fresh mindset: he wants to play with freedom, unburdened by expectations, and focus solely on making a decisive impact.

The 37-year-old batting icon, who has already featured in three World Cups, is preparing for his fourth and final campaign in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. His motivation is simple yet powerful: “For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation. The goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. Whatever it takes, I’m ready.”

Kohli’s recent numbers underline his resurgence. Since the 2025 Champions Trophy, he has amassed 760 runs in 12 ODIs at an average of 76, including three centuries and five fifties. His overall tally since early 2025 stands at more than 1,000 runs at an average above 64. In the IPL too, he has embraced a more aggressive style, scoring 675 runs in 2026 at a strike rate of 165.85, helping Royal Challengers Bangalore retain their title.

The transformation, Kohli explains, is both mental and technical. For years, he carried the responsibility of stabilizing India’s innings. Now, he wants to take calculated risks, aiming to push team totals beyond 350 in high-scoring conditions. “I promised myself I’m going to play more freely. I’m not going to worry about expectations. If I choose not to take a risk, it’s because I’m setting up to accelerate later,” he said.

This approach reflects his belief in the strength of India’s batting lineup. Trusting teammates to handle pressure allows him to express himself fully. “I have faith in the fact that there are other players around me who are very good. I need to express myself and find a way to be consistent doing that. That’s exciting at this stage of my career.”

With the countdown to the 2027 World Cup underway, Kohli’s clarity of purpose stands out. He is determined to leave everything on the field, bat with freedom, and chase one last dream- bringing the World Cup back to India.