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Indian legend Virat Kohli has spoken candidly about his international future, saying he still wants to play the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 but only if he feels his place in the side is genuinely valued.

Speaking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s official podcast, the 37-year-old said he is comfortable continuing as long as there is trust from both sides, but not if opinions about him change every week.

Virat Kohli wants clarity, not constant questioning

Kohli said he does not enjoy being in a setup where questions begin once a player has already been selected, and where opinions fluctuate based on a few results.

“The moment I feel like people are trying to complicate it for me and be like ‘oh this and that’. Either be clear and honest and upfront or be quiet and let me play. If you go to a workplace and people say we believe in your abilities and a week later they start questioning the way you operate, it’s like why?”

The veteran batter said trust from management should not disappear after one poor series or a few low scores, adding that consistency in communication matters more than anything.

“Either tell me on day one that I am not good enough or I am not needed but if you have said that I am good enough and that we are not thinking otherwise, then be quiet. If you start operating up and down because of results, you can never have a consistent stance.”

ODI World Cup 2027 still on his radar

Kohli said his daily lifestyle still revolves around discipline and preparation, and that has kept him physically and mentally ready for international cricket.

“I am always ready because that's my daily life. You know, I work out, we eat well at home. It is because I like living that way. It is not only to play cricket. So that is where I am. I mean these 27 (2027 World Cup) chats and all that. I've been asked so many times, 'do you want to play 27?'”

He said his fitness routine is not something he follows only for cricket but because that is how he has always chosen to live, which makes staying match-ready natural.

“I know the answer. Like, why would I leave my home, you know, get my stuff over and be like, I don't know what I want. Of course, if I'm playing, I want to play cricket. I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing. But as I said, the value has to be two sides.”

Kohli said the desire to continue is very much there, but he would only stay if the Indian setup believes he can still contribute to the side.

“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am part of, and the environment feels that I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I am not in that space.”

Vijay Hazare return reminded him why he plays

Kohli also recalled returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly two decades, representing Delhi cricket team in two matches and scoring a century while also becoming the fastest to 16,000 List A runs.

“I was very clear in my head that I am not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I am going there to play because I love playing the game. That's how I played Vijay Hazare as well. It was amazing.”

Kohli now plays only ODI cricket after retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. With India playing fewer ODIs, his appearances have become increasingly rare.

The next time he is expected in India colours is during the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan from June 14. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has remained non-committal on the future of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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