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Sports
Virat Kohli Announces Retirement After 2027 World Cup
✍️ Al Jazeera
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 06:36 AM
👁 16
India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli said he will quit the national side after the 2027 ICC World Cup, confirming his long‑term exit plan.
Virat Kohli, the former captain and one of India's most prolific run‑scorers, told reporters that he intends to retire from international cricket after the 2027 ICC World Cup. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera and marks a definitive timeline for the star’s departure from the Indian side.
Kohli, now in his mid‑30s, has amassed over 7,000 Test runs and more than 12,000 ODI runs, leading India to numerous victories, including the 2011 World Cup. His decision comes after a period of fluctuating form and a reduced role in the limited‑overs squads, though he remains a key figure in the Test arena.
The announcement gives the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a clear window to plan for a succession strategy, especially ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 Asian Games. Young batsmen such as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw are expected to shoulder greater responsibility as Kohli phases out.
Reactions from teammates and former players have been largely supportive, acknowledging Kohli’s contributions while emphasizing the need for a smooth transition. The cricketing fraternity will now focus on how the team restructures its batting order post‑2027.
Kohli, now in his mid‑30s, has amassed over 7,000 Test runs and more than 12,000 ODI runs, leading India to numerous victories, including the 2011 World Cup. His decision comes after a period of fluctuating form and a reduced role in the limited‑overs squads, though he remains a key figure in the Test arena.
The announcement gives the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a clear window to plan for a succession strategy, especially ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 Asian Games. Young batsmen such as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw are expected to shoulder greater responsibility as Kohli phases out.
Reactions from teammates and former players have been largely supportive, acknowledging Kohli’s contributions while emphasizing the need for a smooth transition. The cricketing fraternity will now focus on how the team restructures its batting order post‑2027.