26 September,2026 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)
The ODI World Cup 2027 is set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Ahead of the marquee event, Team India's superstar Virat Kohli said that it is going to be his last global tournament for the "Men in Blue". He also expressed readiness for the global showpiece.
"For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready," he said on JioStar.
The right-handed batsman then said that maintaining the intensity of the 50-over World Cup is a big deal.
"Because now, it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal. Also now, it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you," said Kohli.
The Delhi-born cricketer will soon make his appearance in Indian colours. Team India is set to take on the West Indies in the three-match ODI series, with the first match scheduled to be played on September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Earlier, a grand ceremony in Johannesburg unveiled the 12 venues that will host next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia's capital Windhoek selected as tournament locations.
South Africa will host games at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, SuperSport Park in Centurion, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, St George's Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City (formerly East London), according to the ICC website.
Zimbabwe will stage matches at Harare Sports Club in Harare, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls, while Namibia's capital Windhoek will host games at the Namibia Cricket Ground.
(With PTI Inputs)
