(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to start on October 5 in India could be the last for many current greats, such as Rohit Sharma (India), David Warner (Australia), Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Quinton de Kock (South Africa), Steven Smith (Australia), and many more.
There has been a big question mark regarding Virat Kohli’s future in ODI cricket, whether he will continue playing until the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in South Africa.
Virat Kohli, who is currently 34 years old, will turn 38 in 2027. Based on his age, some may speculate that 2023 could be his last World Cup. But considering his current fitness levels, it seems like he can continue playing till 2027. Kohli has participated in three ICC 50-over World Cups in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers and Kohli’s best friend gave his opinion on whether the latter will continue to play ODI cricket till 2027 or not. De Villiers feels that it is unlikely that Kohli will feature in the 2027 World Cup. He further adds that if Team India finish on a high in the upcoming quadrennial tournament, it will be a good time for Kohli to announce his retirement from ODI cricket.
“I know he loves travelling to South Africa (for the 2027 World Cup), but it’s very difficult to say. It is a long time away. Let’s focus on this one first, I think that’s what Virat Kohli would tell you. I think if they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time to say, ‘Thank you very much. I am maybe just going to play Test cricket for the next few years and a little bit of IPL, enjoy the last bit of my career, have enough family time, and say goodbye to everyone’,” said de Villiers on his YouTube channel.
India have their first game scheduled against Australia on 8th October in Chennai and will meet Sri Lanka on 11th October in Hyderabad. Rohit Sharma-led India will then take a flight from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad, where they will face their arch-rivals Pakistan on 14th October.