After a dramatic 2025 filled with highs and lows — from lifting the Champions Trophy to enduring another rare home Test whitewash — the Indian men’s cricket team steps into 2026 with pressure, expectation, and opportunity in equal measure. Leadership changes, big retirements, and intense scrutiny have shaped the journey so far, and the year ahead promises even bigger storylines.
A crucial year begins with a home World Cup
The most significant assignment arrives early. India, co-hosting the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, will look to:
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defend their title,
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become the first team to win the trophy at home, and
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secure the crown for a third time.
At the same time, the team continues its pursuit of qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, making every Test match in 2026 doubly important.
Eyes also on ODIs and multi-sport commitments
With planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup gaining momentum, one-day cricket remains central to the calendar. India are also expected to take part in the Asian Games once again, hoping to repeat the gold-medal success achieved under Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2023.
Coaches, selectors, and senior players will all be under the microscope throughout the year, especially after the turbulence of 2025.
India Men’s Cricket Schedule for 2026
| Series / Tournament | Host | Format | Matches | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand tour of India | India | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | 11–31 January 2026 |
| T20 World Cup 2026 | India / Sri Lanka | T20I | 4–9 T20Is (depending on progress) | 7 Feb – 8 Mar 2026 |
| Afghanistan tour of India | India | Test, ODI | 1 Test, 3 ODIs | June 2026 |
| India tour of England | England | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | 1–19 July 2026 |
| India tour of Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | Test (WTC) | 2 Tests | August 2026 |
| India tour of Bangladesh* | Bangladesh | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | September 2026 |
| Asian Games 2026* | Japan | T20I | 1–3 matches | 19 Sept – 4 Oct 2026 |
| India tour of Afghanistan* | Neutral venue | T20I | 3 T20Is | Sept/Oct 2026 |
| West Indies tour of India | India | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | Oct/Nov 2026 |
| India tour of New Zealand | New Zealand | Test, ODI, T20I | 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | Nov/Dec 2026 |
*The Bangladesh tour, postponed from 2025 due to diplomatic tensions, is still uncertain. Other fixtures marked with an asterisk may also be subject to confirmation.
Total Matches India Could Play in 2026
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Tests: 5 (4 counting toward the WTC)
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ODIs: 18–21
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T20Is: 28–35
In addition, the 2026 Indian Premier League is expected to run from March 26 to May 31, adding another intense block of cricket to an already full schedule.
What’s at stake?
With trophies, ranking points, and reputations on the line, 2026 may become a defining season for Indian cricket. The balance between managing workloads, preparing for future ICC events, and handling rising competition within the squad will shape how the year unfolds. One thing is certain — fans can expect a non-stop calendar filled with high-pressure contests across formats.