The Men in Blue's Mission: 27 Matches to World Cup Glory

India, having just won the Champions Trophy, will have 27 ODI games prior to the 2027 World Cup. Their itinerary comprises a series against Bangladesh in August-September 2025 and a three-match series against Australia in October-November 2025. South Africa will visit India for three ODIs in November-December 2025. India will play New Zealand at home in January 2026, Afghanistan in June 2026, England in July 2026 away, and the West Indies in September-October 2026 at home. The last preparations are a series against New Zealand abroad in October-December 2026 and a home series against Sri Lanka in January 2027. This lengthy schedule will allow India to perfect their team before the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

 

Source: Wisden, Indian Express, India TV News