3 Reasons why Virat Kohli should play ICC ODI World Cup 2027

Virat Kohli has been struggling in the red-ball format, especially after his century in Australia, as he has repeatedly fallen in a similar fashion. However, that has not affected his white-ball game at all, and the recent ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai was proof of that.

Kohli is a legend when it comes to the 50-over format. In 290 ODI innings, he has amassed 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88 and a strike rate of 93.34, including 74 fifties and 51 centuries. 

While some fans have questioned his availability for the team in the future, his dominance in white-ball cricket—especially in ODIs—and his exceptional fitness levels suggest otherwise. Even at 38, he should be on that flight to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, set to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.  

Here are the 3 Reasons why Virat Kohli should play ICC ODI World Cup 2027

1. Ability to step up in ICC tournaments

In the last two 50-over ICC tournaments, Virat Kohli has proven his continued importance to the Indian team. In the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, he was the highest run-scorer, amassing 765 runs in 11 innings at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31. 

His incredible performance included six fifties and three centuries, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. In the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium against New Zealand, he delivered a crucial knock of 117 off 113 in that high-pressure game.

In the recent 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Kohli continued to shine, scoring 218 runs in five innings at an average of 54.50 and a strike rate of 82.88, including one fifty and one century. 

His unbeaten century against arch-rivals Pakistan was a match-winning effort, and in the semi-final against Australia, he played another vital innings, scoring 84 off 98 balls to guide India to victory.

Beyond the 50-over format, Kohli also stepped up when it mattered most in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Though he struggled throughout the tournament, he rose to the occasion in the final, scoring a crucial 76 runs to win the Player of the Match award as India clinched the title by defeating South Africa.

With his vast experience and proven ability to deliver in crunch situations, Kohli should remain a key part of India’s ODI setup for the 2027 ICC World Cup as well.    

2. Fitness

Fitness has always been a defining aspect of Virat Kohli’s illustrious career. Even at 36, his ability to sprint for quick singles, convert ones into twos, and maintain unmatched intensity on the field is simply remarkable. 

Many young players struggle to match his energy, and in the recent Champions Trophy, his approach was a testament to his hunger for runs. Rather than relying on boundaries, Kohli focused on placing the ball into gaps and accumulating runs through sharp running between the wickets.

In the latest episode of The ICC Review, former India coach Ravi Shastri provided an in-depth analysis of Kohli as an ODI batter.

"His discipline, his awareness of match situations—that's what sets him apart. I thought he tried to get ahead of himself in the last three or four years, where he was trying to outdo what he is good at, and sometimes, it can catch up with you. But he is back to what he does best—taking singles, keeping the ball on the ground, and going for the big shot only when necessary. Some of the greatest players in ODI history, especially in run chases, have mastered this art," Shastri told.

3. Irreplaceable at number three

Kohli’s role in this team is not to come out and play a swashbuckling innings by smashing a few boundaries and sixes. His primary responsibility is to anchor the innings, and there is no denying that, despite India’s talented options like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, no player can truly replace him at the number three position.

His ability to control the innings allows other batters to play their natural game and fulfill their respective roles. It enables them to build around Kohli while accelerating the scoring with attacking shots. This, in turn, takes the pressure off him, whether India is setting a big total or chasing a target. 

The combination of Kohli’s consistent strike rotation and the aggressive approach of other batters could be the ideal formula for India’s success in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

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