David Warner Has No Doubt That Virat Kohli Will Play the Upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027

One man who is backing Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup is none other than former Aussie opener David Warner. Kohli turned back the clock in Sydney as he hit 74 not out to help India win the third ODI and avoid a series whitewash. He added 169 runs for the second wicket with centurion Rohit Sharma. This was after making zero in the previous two games.

David Warner Backs Virat Kohli

Warner made a bold claim about Kohli’s chances of playing the World Cup that is still two years away. He said that Kohli’s hunger, mindset and fitness were the reasons there was no doubt in the Australian’s mind that ‘King’ will be on the plane to South Africa.

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“I think that’s a good question for Virat. If you have still got the hunger and the desire to keep playing, and he wants to play in 2027, and his mindset is there, there’s no reason why he can’t. He’s one of the fittest guys in the game along with being a great father and a husband. So for me, I’ve got no doubts he can make that. It’s whether or not he still has that passion to get up for training and for doing all the stuff that you have to get there. And I would never doubt that at all with his mindset,” he told Fox Cricket.

David Warner vs Virat Kohli

Warner and Kohli shared a healthy rivalry on the field not just at the international level but in the IPL as well. They faced off as skippers in the 2016 final when SRH defeated RCB narrowly. Kohli had to wait another nine years to win the IPL title. So Warner is aware of Kohli’s commitment which is why he has made such a bold claim.

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Virat Kohli’s Personal Achievements

During the course of his knock, Kohli went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second highest ODI run-scorer. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for most 50-plus scores in run-chases. He turns 37 in a little over a week and has played international cricket for 17 years. An ODI retirement means an international farewell because he’s already quit T20Is and Tests.

Virat Kohli’s Brilliant ODI Stats

Numbers wise, he’s in a class of his own. Kohli has played 305 games, batted 293 times and not been dismissed 37 times. He’s scored 14,255 runs, hit 51 100s and 75 50s plus has a top score of 183. Not to mention an average of 57.71. A strike rate of 93.27 shows he’s not just consistent but quick too. There is a long way to go for Kohli before the World Cup but at the moment, he’s on the right track.