Following the completion of a three-match ODI cricket series against England, the entire focus of the Indian national team will now be directed towards preparing for the 2027 One Day International (ODI) World Cup.
Tournament Dates and Venues
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will host the 2027 ODI World Cup (50 overs) in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, 2027.
Upcoming Match Schedule
Despite India's 2-1 loss to England, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli demonstrated good play against England. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see the Rohit-Virat duo again. Currently, both players are only featuring in ODI format.
In September, the Indian team will be back on the field, participating in a three-match home series against the West Indies. Then, in November, the Indian squad will play five ODI matches against New Zealand. This series is considered one of the most important for preparation for the 2027 World Cup, as the New Zealand team is strong, and India will want to present its best lineup and starting XI.
Subsequently, in December, a three-match series against Sri Lanka will take place in India. The start of 2027 will feature a three-match home series against Zimbabwe in January. Furthermore, the Asia Cup in the 50-over format is expected in Bangladesh in June. If this happens, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may once again represent India before the major ICC tournament.
Total Number and Significance of Matches
The combination of all these series and tournaments will provide India with the opportunity to play at least 14 ODI matches before the 2027 World Cup (3 against West Indies, 5 against New Zealand, 3 against Sri Lanka, 3 against Zimbabwe).
If the Asia Cup also takes place in the 50-over format, this number will increase. Every match will be of immense importance for India in terms of determining the squad for the World Cup, player rotation, batting and bowling composition, and the starting XI.
Postponed Series Against Bangladesh
It should also be noted that the ODI series between India and Bangladesh, originally scheduled for August, has been postponed to September 2026. Initially, India was supposed to visit Bangladesh for 3 T20s and 3 ODI matches. This series was postponed due to security concerns caused by political instability in Bangladesh, and its schedule has not yet been announced.
Match Schedule Details
India's Tour to West Indies (September-October 2026): The first match is scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Trivandrum, the second for September 30, 2026, in Guwahati, and the third for October 3, 2026, in Chandigarh.
India's Tour to New Zealand (November 2026): The series will begin on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, continue on November 7, 2026, in Wellington, November 10, 2026, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, November 13, 2026, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, and conclude on November 15, 2026, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
India's Tour to Sri Lanka (December 2026): Three matches will take place on December 13, 2026, in Delhi, December 16, 2026, in Bengaluru, and December 19, 2026, in Ahmedabad.
India's Tour to Zimbabwe (January 2027): The start of 2027 includes three home matches: the first on January 3, 2027, in Kolkata, the second on January 6, 2027, in Hyderabad, and the third on January 9, 2027, in Mumbai.
