Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to play only ODI cricket moving forward, and the 15–20 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup could be the final set of matches they feature in before the big tournament. With the 2027 ODI World Cup starting in October 2027, India will use this period to prepare their core team, test combinations, and build a strong balance between experienced players and young talent.
These upcoming ODI series will be crucial for India as they fine-tune their batting order, strengthen their bowling attack, and identify the best possible XI for the World Cup.
Stay tuned for fixtures, venues, squad news, and every update as India gets ready for the 2027 World Cup!
ODI Schedule of India Before World Cup 2027
Here is the expected schedule of Indian team in ODI before the marquee ODI World Cup in 2027.
| Month & Year | Home/Away | Opponent | No. of ODIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Home | New Zealand | 3 |
| June 2026 | Home | Afghanistan | 3 |
| July 2026 | Away | England | 3 |
| September-October, 2026 | Home | West Indies | 3 |
| October-November, 2026 | Home | New Zealand | 3 |
| December 2026 | Home | Sri Lanka | 3 |
| September 2027 | Away | Asia Cup | 4-5 |
New Zealand Tour Of India 2026 (Home)
New Zealand will tour India in January 2026 for a three-match ODI series, giving both teams an early-season opportunity to fine-tune their 50-over plans. The series starts on 11 January at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, moves to Rajkot on 14 January, and ends on 18 January at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. These matches will help India assess form and combinations ahead of a busy 2026 schedule.
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sun, 11 Jan 2026 | 1:30 PM | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara | India vs New Zealand |
| 2nd ODI | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | 1:30 PM | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | India vs New Zealand |
| 3rd ODI | Sun, 18 Jan 2026 | 1:30 PM | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | India vs New Zealand |
June 2026: India vs Afghanistan ODI Series (Home, After IPL 2026)
Right after the IPL 2026 season ends, India will host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series in June 2026. This series will give both teams a chance to shift their focus from T20 cricket to the 50-over format. For India, these matches will be essential to test players returning from the IPL, assess form, and try new combinations in different conditions.
India Tour of England 2026 (Away)
India will travel to England in July 2026 for a three-match ODI series, offering an exciting mid-year challenge in English conditions. The tour begins on 14 July at Edgbaston, followed by the second ODI at Sophia Gardens on 16 July. The final match will be played on 19 July at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Tue, 14 Jul 2026 | 5:30 PM | Edgbaston, Birmingham | England vs India |
| 2nd ODI | Thu, 16 Jul 2026 | 5:30 PM | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | England vs India |
| 3rd ODI | Sun, 19 Jul 2026 | 3:30 PM | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | England vs India |
September–October 2026: India vs West Indies ODI Series (Home)
India will begin their late-2026 home season by hosting West Indies for a three-match ODI series. It is scheduled for September–October. For India, these matches will be a chance to test bench strength, rotate players, and work on. This will also help India build rhythm heading into a busy international calendar.
October–November 2026: India vs New Zealand ODI Series (Home)
Right after the West Indies tour, India will play another three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. The Kiwis, known for their disciplined bowling and tactical gameplay, constantly challenge India in the 50-over format. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, this series will serve as a key opportunity for both teams to identify their core squads, test new combinations, and strengthen their middle-order and bowling plans.
December 2026: India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series (Home)
India will wrap up their ODI preparations for the World Cup 2026 with a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in December 2026. It will allow India to finalize roles, analyze player form, and sharpen strategies before entering the World Cup year. Sri Lanka, with their spin-friendly attack and experienced batters, will look to challenge India, making this a crucial and exciting finale to India’s 2026 ODI schedule.
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Conclusion: India Will Play 7 ODI Series Before The World Cup 2027
India is expected to play seven ODI series before the 2027 World Cup, giving the team plenty of matches to prepare. Senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could feature in 15–20 ODIs during this period, offering experience and stability to the squad. These upcoming series will help India test combinations and build momentum for the big tournament.
Stay connected for match updates, squads, and all World Cup preparations!
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