Virat Kohli is arguably the best ODI batter since Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli has an enviable record in the format, scoring 14867 runs in 313 ODIs, with a record 54 centuries and 78 fifties, at an average of 58.53, with the highest score of 183.
Kohli has shown immense dedication and fitness to achieve his dream of winning another ICC Cricket World Cup trophy. He had won one in the 2011 World Cup, but he wants to win one more, especially after the loss in the final of the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad. Today, we see five reasons why Virat Kohli should play the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Here are the 5 reasons why Virat Kohli should play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027:
5. Consistent batting performance
Virat Kohli has been amazingly consistent in the ODI format with the bat. Except for 3 or 4 seasons, Kohli has consistently had over 40 in the format. Even in the year 2026 so far, he has scored 310 runs in 5 ODIs at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 103.33 with one century and two fifties. India will need at least one veteran batter in form who can consistently score runs, and other batters can play around him.
4. Supreme fitness
Even at the age of 37, Virat Kohli’s fitness might put many youngsters of today to shame. Despite playing only one format in international cricket, Kohli remains in peak fitness as he practices in London, where he permanently resides. One thing Indian team management shouldn’t worry about with Virat Kohli is fitness. He only recently missed an ODI series against Afghanistan since he pulled his hamstring in the IPL 2026 final but has roared back to form against England.
3. Experience of playing four World Cups
Virat Kohli had started his ICC Cricket World Cup career in the 2011 edition at home, with a century in his first game. Since then, Kohli has been in premier form in World Cups, with 1795 runs in 37 games with 5 centuries and 12 fifties at an average of 59.83. His best outing was in the 2023 World Cup, scoring 765 runs, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record, and hitting 3 centuries at an average of 95.62.
India will need the experience of someone who has a good record in South Africa in the World Cup, and Kohli has 993 runs in 20 ODIs in the rainbow nation with 3 centuries. He is needed by the Indian team as they chase their third World Cup dream.
2. Best batter in ODIs
Virat Kohli, by far, is the best batter in modern-day cricket in the one-day international format. With 14867 runs in 313 ODIs, a record 54 hundreds and 78 fifties, an average of 58.53, and the maximum score of 183, Kohli has an impressive record in the format. He is considered perhaps the greatest batter in chases as well, with an amazing record, with over 8000 runs and 29 centuries to his name. His calmness and composure will be needed in the tough environment of a changed format.
1. Fitting tribute to a legendary career
Virat Kohli made his India ODI debut in 2008, and it will be almost 20 years of an astonishing career when the 2027 World Cup begins in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Kohli has led India to many amazing ODI victories and tournament wins. He almost single-handedly led India to the 2023 World Cup title and even scored a fifty as India lost to Australia in Ahmedabad. A win in the 2027 World Cup for India will be the best farewell to an amazing career for Virat Kohli.
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