The 37-year-old, who retired from Twenty20 Internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph and stepped away from Test cricket last year, remains active only in the ODI format.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by his Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli said he would not seek selection unless he and the team management believed he could continue adding value.

“If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen,” Kohli said.

Kohli added that he approaches every match with maximum intensity, saying he prepares to field “every ball like it’s the last ball” of his career.

The former India captain played 13 ODIs last year, scoring 651 runs, and returned to IPL action after last representing India in January. He has already scored one century during the current IPL season.

Kohli, one of the most prolific ODI batters in cricket history, has amassed 14,797 runs in 311 one-day internationals at an average of 58.71. Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more ODI runs, with 18,426.

Now in his 17th year in international cricket, Kohli has continued to face scrutiny over his consistency despite strong performances against South Africa and New Zealand following a difficult series against Australia last year.

Reflecting on criticism surrounding his performances, Kohli questioned fluctuating assessments of his role within the team environment.

“Either tell me on day one I’m not good enough or I’m not needed,” he said. “Or if you’ve said I’m good enough and you say we’re not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet.”

The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.