Virat Kohli is winning hearts with his brilliant performance in the ongoing IPL 2026. Amidst his heroics, the former India captain has given a strong and emotional statement regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding his future and his ICC World Cup 2027 dream.
Kohli has been in sensational form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2026. In 12 matches, the batting superstar has already scored 484 runs at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165.75. He is currently in third place in the Orange Cap race.
Virat Kohli sent a strong message to Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir about his India future.
The way the swashbuckling right-hander has dominated the bowlers this season has reminded fans of his peak years, evoking memories of his famous “eat, sleep, century” phase. Many have already started discussing whether Kohli is preparing himself for the ICC World Cup in 2027.
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During the recent RCB Podcast with Mayanti Langer, Kohli sent a strong message to Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. He made it clear that he still has the hunger and commitment to keep moving forward, but only in an environment where his efforts and value are properly respected.
“My vision is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am a part of and the environment also feels that I can add value, then I will stay there. If I am made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and value, then it is not the right place for me because I know how honestly I prepare and approach the game,” Virat Kohli said in the RCB video.
He further added, “I work hard every day with my head down. I am very grateful to God for everything I have achieved in my cricket career and I feel very fortunate and grateful for this opportunity, and when I come to play, I keep my head down and do everything I can for the team.”
Virat Kohli warned BCCI against any decision
The Indian batsman said that he still prepares every day with complete honesty and discipline. He stressed that he can run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI without any complaints because that is how he prepares himself and will do everything possible for the team.
Giving a strong message to Agarkar and Gambhir, Virat Kohli made it clear that he would not like to be in a situation where he is constantly judged and has to prove his worth. He said that instead of changing opinions after one or two poor performances, there should be clarity from the beginning.
The RCB icon further added, “Either tell me on day one that I am not good enough or I am not needed, or if you say I am good enough and you say we are not even thinking otherwise, then shut up because I know what I can do in terms of effort.”
Virat Kohli refuses to prove himself again and again
Virat Kohli also revealed that he no longer plays the game to silence critics or to prove himself to anyone, rather he loves the game and focuses on giving every possible effort whenever he takes the field. The 37-year-old admitted that his return to domestic cricket completely changed his mindset.
Kohli said, “After giving so much effort and commitment, if I still have to prove my worth and value again and again, then maybe that is not the place for me, and I am very clear in my mind from that point of view.
That’s why when I went back to play, I had a lot of clarity in my mind. I’m not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I am playing because I love cricket.”
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The former Indian captain said that playing without pressure and enjoying batting made him feel fresh and excited again like in his early days. Kohli stressed that performance can never be guaranteed in the game, but their effort and commitment should never be underestimated.
The dynamic right-handed batsman said that his lifestyle, fitness routine, training and preparation continues throughout the year and that is why he is ready whenever the team needs him.
It’s amazing for India to play the World Cup: Virat Kohli
Addressing the persistent questions being asked about his 2027 World Cup dream, Kohli made it firmly clear that retirement is not on his mind at all, adding that if he is still playing cricket, naturally he would want to continue representing India. However, he also emphasized that the relationship between a player and the team environment should work both ways.
Virat Kohli said, “It’s because I like to live like this. It’s not just about playing cricket. So, I’m right here. I’ve been asked many times, “Do you want to play 27?” Why? I know the answer. Why would I leave my house and take my stuff and be like, “I don’t know what I want”? Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket and keep it going. Playing the World Cup for India is amazing, but as Like I said, value should be two-way.
The most anticipated one, the one we’ve all been waiting for… 𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝘁. 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶.
VK18 talks about his mental state, playing with purpose, his Test career, leading India in white, the 2027 ODI World Cup and more.
We are… pic.twitter.com/qxCgTZR3Bs
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 15 May 2026