Virat Kohli states he won't play 2027 World Cup if he has to prove his worth

New Delhi. Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has said that if he has to prove his worth in the team, he will not be seen in the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

Former captain Kohli is considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. He was a member of the Indian team that won the World Cup in 2011 and also played a key role in the success of last year's Champions Trophy. 

The 37-year-old Kohli has retired from India's Test and T-20 teams but is still active in the ODI team. Speaking about the upcoming World Cup on the RCB Podcast, Kohli said, 'If I can contribute to the environment I am part of and people feel that I am contributing, then I will play.'

He added, 'But if I am made to feel like I have to prove my worth and value, then I will not be in that place.' 

Mentioning that he always works hard on the field, Kohli said, 'When I come to play, I work as hard as anyone else, or harder, with my head down and play the game the right way. If I have to run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI, I will do it without any complaints because I prepare accordingly.'

Clarifying his commitment to the game, Kohli said, 'I am ready to field every ball of the 50 overs as if it is the last ball of my career. I bat like that, I run between the wickets like that, and I do everything possible for the team. If, even after working like this, I have to stay in a place where I have to prove my worth, then that place is not for me. I am very clear in my mind with this perspective.'

Kohli has played 311 One Day Internationals so far. With 14,797 runs at an average of 58.71, only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) has scored more runs than Kohli. 

The right-handed batsman, known for his mastery in chasing targets, averages 65.78 in the second innings of a match. His performance is even better in South Africa, where the 2027 World Cup is scheduled to be held, where he has scored 76.38 runs in 20 ODI matches.

During the interview, Kohli said that some people were trying to 'complicate things' for him, but he did not name anyone. Kohli said, 'Look, if you go to your workplace and people say they believe in your abilities, and a week later they start questioning your way of working, why is that done?' 

He added in frustration, 'Either tell me on the first day that I am not worthy or not needed. Otherwise, if you say I am worthy and we are not thinking of anything else, then shut up.'