Virat Kohli completely ready for 2027 World Cup says childhood coach after Vijay Hazare ton
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has sent a clear message that the Indian batting legend is “completely ready” for the 2027 ODI World Cup after his stunning century for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 37-year-old marked his return to domestic cricket after almost 15 years by scoring 131 off 101 balls against Andhra Pradesh, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record as the fastest batter to reach 16,000 List A runs in the process. Sharma believes Virat’s recent purple patch, including two hundreds against South Africa and now this domestic ton, proves he is in terrific form and ready to lead India’s charge at the marquee tournament.
Dominant century on domestic return
Virat had not played domestic cricket for nearly 15 years before walking out to bat for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He made the occasion memorable by smashing 131 runs off just 101 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and three sixes to guide Delhi to an easy victory over Andhra Pradesh. The innings showcased his trademark class and hunger for runs, proving that age has not diminished his ability to dominate bowling attacks across formats.
The century also saw Virat break Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record by becoming the fastest batter to reach 16,000 List A runs. It was a fitting milestone for a player who has consistently chased and broken records throughout his illustrious career.
Coach Sharma: “He is in terrific form”
Speaking to ANI after the match, Rajkumar Sharma praised Virat’s current form and consistency. He said,
“Bohot achhe hain aur shandaar form mein hain woh. Aur continue kiya hain apne form ko. Jaise India ke lie abhi do hundreds banaye the, usi continuation mein shandaar ballebaazi ki hain aaj aur match jitaya Delhi ko. Kaafi samay baad woh domestic cricket khel rahe the aur behad shandaar baari kheli unhone. (He is in terrific form and has continued it. Just like the two hundreds he made for India recently, he carried that momentum today too, batted superbly again, and won Delhi the match. After a long time, he returned to domestic cricket and played a truly superb innings).”
Sharma was referring to Virat’s outstanding ODI series against South Africa earlier this season, where he scored 302 runs in three matches with two centuries and won the Player of the Series award.
“Most consistent player, completely ready for World Cup”
When asked about Virat’s readiness for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Sharma had no doubts. He said,
“Dekhiye woh shandaar form mein hain. Usne dikhaya hain peechle dono matches mein hundreds kiya hain India ke liye. Toh behtareen form mein hain. Aur woh ek aisa khiladi hain jo sabse zyada consistent hain bhartiya team ke liye, toh mere khayal se woh puri tarah taiyar hain World Cup ke liye. (Look, he is in excellent form. He showed it with hundreds in the two matches for India, so he is in outstanding touch. And he is the most consistent player for the Indian team, so I feel he is completely ready for the World Cup).”
Sharma’s words carry weight given his long association with Virat since childhood. His assessment reflects the belief that Virat’s ODI game remains as sharp as ever despite his retirement from T20Is and Tests earlier this year.
Virat’s ODI form in 2025
Virat has been in excellent ODI form throughout 2025, finishing as India’s top run-scorer in the format alongside Rohit Sharma. He made 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10, with three centuries and four fifties. His strike rate of over 96 showed he has adapted his game to modern demands without losing his ability to build big innings.
His two hundreds against South Africa—including a brilliant 135 in the first ODI—demonstrated that he can still dominate world-class bowling attacks and win matches for India. The Vijay Hazare Trophy century now adds further evidence that he is peaking at the right time ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Eyes firmly on 2027 World Cup
Having retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and from Tests in May 2025, Virat has made it clear that the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia is his final major target. At 37 now, he will be approaching 39 when the tournament arrives, but his recent form suggests age is just a number for someone of his class and fitness levels.
With Rohit Sharma also committed to playing the 2027 World Cup, India will hope their two senior stars can deliver one last hurrah on the global stage and end their ODI careers with the trophy they desperately want.