International
686 runs, 76 average, Virat Kohli dreaming of playing 2031 World Cup
There is a good chance that Virat Kohli would appear not just in 2027 World Cup but also in the 2031 Cricket World Cup that will be played in India and Bangladesh. Kohli would be 42 by that time
Khurram Habib
A sports journalist for 23 years now, having written extensively on cricket, golf, Formula One among other sports. Have also manned desks, sports and otherwise.
18 Jul, 2026
New Delhi: While the social media and traditional media platforms are rife with stories on Rohit Sharma's retirement, India's talismanic and record-creating batsman Virat Kohli seems to be chugging along well and was, at least prior to the England series, even dreaming of playing the 2031 ODI Cricket World Cup.
According to those aware of the situation, Kohli's fitness levels and his focus on only white-ball cricket makes him a certainty for the 2027 Cricket World Cup which will be held in October-November next year when he would be 39.
However, there is also a good chance that he would appear in the 2031 Cricket World Cup that will be played in India. Kohli would be 42 by that time.
"What are we talking about? Retirement? Kohli won't just play the 2027 World Cup but what I have picked from him is that he is giving himself a chance to play the 2031 World Cup," said a DDCA official who has had the chance of speaking with the former India captain.
The 2031 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
Although this may seem outrageous but Kohli's fitness levels and his hunger for runs isn't subsiding.
Since the end of Champions Trophy in March last year, where he scored unbeaten 100 against Pakistan, and 84 against Australia, Kohli has had a decent run. A couple of ducks in Perth and Adelaide, was followed by 74 not out at Sydney. But then came the strong run -- 135, 102 and 65 not out in the three ODIs vs South Africa at home. Then 93, 23 and 124 vs South Africa at home. In the ongoing series in England, he has made five and 65. He looked good at Cardiff during the 65 he scored. But he couldn't bat deep. India will play the last ODI at Lord's on Sunday.
Since October 19, 2025 when India resumed ODIs post Champions Trophy, Kohli has scored 686 runs in 11 ODIs at an average of 76.22 with three centuries. He is second only to New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell in the run-getters' list in the period. Mitchell has scored 770 runs in 10 ODIs at an average of 110 during the phase. Surprisingly, despite people speculating about Rohit Sharma's retirement, the right-handed opener has made 589 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.3.
Tags : Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cricket, World Cup, ODI, Lord's
