'There’s no question that he’s still very fit' - Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli playing 2027 ODI World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri feels it is Virat Kohli's "hunger and desire" that will determine whether or not he is able to maintain batting form till the 2027 World Cup. Kohli has already announced retirement from T20I and Test cricket, with ODI cricket being the only format he is active in.

Shastri feels that Kohli will not have any problems when it comes to physical fitness. However, he stated that the ace Indian batter will have to be in control of his thought process and mental temperament to stay the same professionally.

“If that drive is there, he will stay fit, because there’s no question that he’s still very fit. It’s all about form; that is crucial. So, I guess in his case, he’ll take it one series at a time and then see how he is mentally. He’ll have no problems physically, but it’s the mental part of it, that hunger and desire. If that is still there, and he’s enjoying it, I think he’ll carry on,” stated Shastri during a conversation on Fox Sports.

After the conclusion of Sydney ODI against Australia in which Kohli broke his two-match streak of ducks, he gave an honest assessment of his performance as he had scored two ducks in the previous games. 

"‘Good to be out of the pond, honestly. I am kind of lost. You scored so many runs in international cricket but then the game shows you everything even at this stage. You know, almost 37 in not many days and still feel like, don’t know how to get a run. I mean this game is amazing. That’s why we love batting, we love batsmanship,” Kohli had said while replying to Shastri after the third ODI on JioHostar.

India emerged victorious in the dead rubber in Sydney, winning by nine wickets and 69 balls to spare. Kohli's unbeaten 74 off 81 balls proved crucial in the chase as he combined with Rohit Sharma (121* off 125) to bring up their 19th hundred partnership in ODIs and help India redeem themselves after successive losses in the series.