India’s Cricket Schedule Till the 2026 T20 World Cup

India celebrated a major victory by winning the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final. This was India’s third Champions Trophy title and their first in 12 years. But now, the attention is given to the future matches and tournaments.

India did not make it to the WTC 2023-25 final after losing to New Zealand and Australia. But they will now start their journey towards the next phase of the WTC with a Test series against England.

Key Highlights

• India will play 9 Test matches and 12 ODIs over the next year.

• The T20I team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will play 18 T20 matches in addition to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

• India aims to win the Pataudi Trophy against England after 18 years.

• With possible leadership changes, a new captain could take charge in red-ball cricket.

• India will defend its T20 World Cup title in February March 2026.

India’s Upcoming Series

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Before the England series, Indian players will participate in the IPL 2025. The tournament starts on March 22 at Eden Gardens, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match. The final will also be held at Eden Gardens on May 25.

The next year promises exciting cricket for Indian fans, with key tournaments and series lined up before the big T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team will begin its England tour with a warm-up match against India A. The match will be played on June 13 at Beckenham, which is a ground under Kent County Cricket Club. There were intentions to telecast the match, but the decision was reversed, and it will now be played behind closed doors.

Practice Matches Before the Test Series

Before the five-match Test series, India A will also tour England and will have two four-day matches against England Lions. The first of these will be between May 30 and June 2 at Canterbury, and the second from June 6 to 9 at Northamptonshire Cricket County Club.

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Indian Cricket Team Travel plans and Preparations

After IPL 2025 is over, Indian players will get two weeks of rest and then go to England during the second week of June. There may be a few players going earlier based on their time table. Beckenham ground, located in southeastern London, is good and being used for practice before the Test series.

Issues related to selection and captaincy

The England series squad is expected to be announced in May, when the IPL will be at its peak. A part of the controversy is whether Rohit Sharma will continue to be the captain, subject mostly to how he performs during the IPL to assist the selectors in making their decision.

England vs India Test Series Schedule

This will be India's only practice game before the first Test at Headingley. As there are no practice games against local county teams, the intra-squad match will become the only preparation for the team.

The Indian cricket team is going on a tour of Australia in 2025 that is filled with a lot of action and entertainment. It will be a battle of three ODIs and five T20Is. The series, no doubt, is going to be very interesting. Both teams are up for some fierce contests at Australia's most iconic venues. Here are the details of the schedule and what to expect from such a high-profile tour.

ODI Series Schedule:

• First ODI – Perth (October 19)
• Second ODI – Adelaide (October 23)
• Third ODI – Sydney (October 25)

The ODI series will be very crucial for both teams, as it will enable them to have a detailed look at their respective squads in preparation for forthcoming international tournaments. The adaptability and resilience of the Indian team are to be severely tested at the different locations across the vast land of Australia.

T20I Series Schedule:

• First T20I – Manuka Oval (October 29)
• Second T20I – MCG (October 31)
• Third T20I – Bellerive Oval (November 2)
• Fourth T20I – Gold Coast (November 6)
• Fifth T20I – Gabba (November 8)

This five-match T20I series, given that the T20 World Cup is just around the corner, will be the most important platform for both sides of India and Australia to experiment with their strategies, the performance of the players, and the combination of the squad. The MCG and Gabba would also be the venues where the fans worldwide, as well as the players, will enjoy engaging in a whole new spectacle.

🚨India Tour Of Australia 🎫 pic.twitter.com/EGSNIRgxFo

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) March 30, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav hit on helmet by Prasidh Krishna’s fiery bouncer

What to Expect?

This tour will be seen as the battle between the two strongest cricket teams in the world. While Australia will be enjoying the benefit of playing at home, India will be looking to retain their form in this kind of condition. This series will keep the fans fixated with high-scoring games, big-hitting displays, and fierce rivalries all around.

The cricket fans globally are watching the upcoming India-Australia match with bated breath. Keep in touch for reports from the game and series analysis as the matches continue.

In the ever-evolving universe of Indian cricket, a handful have always been a cut above the rest, not so much for what they have achieved on the pitch but for what they have been, led by, and stood by in the sport. The Indian Express IE 100 ranking 2025 has put into focus the crème de la crème, and no surprise, three cricketing icons top the table. Let's look at the top 3 strongest cricketers of India this year:

1. Rohit Sharma

The Indian captain is one who continues to command respect both on and off the pitch. With his captaincy, composed mind, tactical sense, and an ability to perform under pressure matches, Rohit has become the new face of Indian cricket. He has easily ridden the transition phase and still remained one of the most consistent batsmen for the team. Off the pitch, his presence via sponsorships, the media, and among young people has cemented his position as a household name in India. Rohit in 2025 is no longer a player but a statesman of the game.

2. Virat Kohli

Years will come and go, but Virat Kohli is an impenetrable pillar of cricket for India. A symbol of work ethic, commitment, and ardour, Kohli's influence cuts across forms and generations. Even though he no longer captains him, his aura, training regimen, and never-say-die urge for runs leaves him as trendy and lionized as ever before. In cricket-crazy country, Kohli's fanbase remains the one in the box seat, and his voice still the one colours the debate surrounding the game. Power, in Kohli's instance, does not grow old.

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3. Jasprit Bumrah

India's speed bowling wizard has transformed the art of fast bowling. Bumrah, with his unconventional action and laser-like precision, has become an inspiration in every given situation. His 2024-25 performance has made us recall why he is one of the all-time greats of world cricket. Besides statistics, Bumrah's level head, next-gen leadership and reach among youth cricketers make him the strongest force in Indian cricket today.

In a country of millions of would-be cricketers and an infinite number of heroes, these three are still propelling the sport's future and present. By leadership, legacy, or tear-inducing pace, Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah are still at the hub of Indian cricket's power matrix in 2025.

It was the year 2016 and the T20 world cup was hosted by India it was nearly a tight situation for India because they lost their first match against New Zealand where the black caps scored 127 runs batting first and India had got easy chase but what happened next was a freaking one where India was bowled out for 79 runs where India started their campaign with a loss. 

India's next match was against Bangladesh it was a do-or-die match for India to survive on the T20 battleground. India being the host and being in a critical situation was quite tough for them. India's next assignment was Bangladesh and they can be a handy customer on their given day.

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India Vs Bangladesh T20 match

India and Bangladesh match was scheduled in Banglore where India won the toss and chose to bat first. India did not get the nicest start they expected when they lost the early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shikar Dhawan it was Raina who took the charge to take on he scored 30 of 23 balls where he hit 2 sixes supported by Virat Kohli too. But couldn't give the finishing touch that India required due to a quick session of wickets falling at regular intervals. Bangladesh bowlers kept their tight lines where captain Mortoza and Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2-2 wickets each. 

India scored 146 runs with the loss of 7 wickets, whereas Bangladesh had to chase 148 runs in the given 20 overs. Bangladesh went up to the flying start where their star batter Tamim Iqbal thrashed the Indian bowling attack. But the Indian team retaliated quickly. Where Jadeja and Ashwin roped back India into the game. Where Bangladesh too lost wickets in quick succession. The match was hung pretty much balance where runs and wickets were kept on soothing, though Mushfiqur Rahim fought. 

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The Last Ball Drama

Bangladesh lost half of his side in 90 runs though lower middle order started to contribute where Jadeja and Ashwin removed the cream from the top. Though it was tension building time with every passing time the suspense and thrill started to increase, crowed went crazy for the match. The match came down to the final over.  Bangladesh required 11 of final 6 balls. 

It was high voltage drama where Hardik Pandya was called up to bowl the final over. The first ball was single by Mahmudullah and the next 2 balls were boundaries by Mushfiqur the celebration by him was a little too early because the next ball he was caught out and the second last was to Mahmudullah and he too got out and it was 2 for 1 and the tension was monstered.

Dhoni was ready with removed gloves knowing the move what the batsman was trying to do.It was Shuvagata who was in strike Hardik bowled the ball missed by the batsman and Dhoni ran down to the pitch to hit the wicket and it was given run out. By that India won the match by 1 run which ended the thrilling contest. 

Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has briefly taken a break and embarked on a vacation to France along with his wife Natasha and daughters Aazeen and Anaeza. This is following India's massive triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025.

With Gambhir as coach, India triumphed in the Champions Trophy after a span of 12 years. This was India's third title in the tournament, their earlier wins being in 2002 and 2013.

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 9th March. There are no international matches scheduled for the next two months, so Gambhir will spend this time relaxing with his family before the IPL begins on 22nd March.

VACATION TIME FOR GAMBHIR...!!!

- Coach & his family left for France for Vacation. [Abhishek Tripathi] pic.twitter.com/OAFwNehceO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2025

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India had a struggling time earlier this year in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3. There was pressure on Gambhir, but the victory in the Champions Trophy has shut the critics up.

Gambhir has also tasted success in the IPL. In 2024, under his mentorship, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title. Following this, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team. He replaced Rahul Dravid, who ended his term with India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024.

Shreyas Iyer is been the most reliable number 4 for India there is no doubt about it and after his champions trophy, the voices against him have gone more deep down. Shreyas Iyer played a prominent role in Champions Trophy victory though he wasn't able to make his centuries but his 50+runs and determination at the most crucial time matter the most. He was the second highest scorer scoring 243 runs behind Rachin Ravindra who scored 263 runs. 

Shreyas had really tuff time after the world cup where he had to face lots of consequences sacked from Bcci contract and even in Champions Trophy it was not sure whether he will play for the team or not it was a statical situation for him but he didn't give up he was given a chance and he delivered at the most crucial time. 

Read More: Ashwin States Ms Dhoni Gave A Larger Gift Than He Expected

Tuff Time Never Lasts But Tuff People Do

It was 2023 the World Cup period and Iyer had a great World Cup too but after the loss in the finals he was asked to play the Ranji but there was no information from him and Bcci sacked his contract for no clarification but Iyer didn't utter the word, though at later stages of Ranji trophy Iyer made himself and won the Ranji, SMAT and on the line he went on to win the IPL trophy for Kolkata Knight Riders.

He even scored in decent pace too which forced selectors to select him for the mega event of Champions Trophy and the rest was history Iyer played a crucial role in victory of champions Trophy. He was bought by Punjab Kings for 26 crore, it was really high stake for Iyer for his preservarance he showed in the most difficult times. 

The Message Is Automatically Delivered

Shreyas Iyer has never been outspoken which happened to him he has converted them into performances this has been his speciality. In a recent chat with Hindustan Times he has spoken openly about it he said Very, very satisfying. Maybe I could have got a century, but no regrets. It was sweeter because I got the team to a decent total, and we were able to win by 44 runs. 

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It has always been a complaint that Iyer suffers for short ball but in this Champions Trophy he smashed every short balls out of the ground he told that he had slight change with his stance with wide open which helped him a lot to get adjust with it.  It gave me, a lot of confidence you look at my domestic season, I played so many this year and hit sixes off difficult deliveries. I gained a lot of confidence from that.

 Technically, I was able to get a wide stance and create a great base, which enabled me to generate that force. I was able to replicate that in the England (home) series and the matches after that though being reliable number 4 but Iyer is still not sure about his place which gives certain claims as to whether he is unlucky though proving this much he is been neglected he just said "I don't have to send any message to anyone. All I have to do is believe in myself and play the best cricket possible. The message automatically gets delivered.

Nidahas Trophy is a tri-nation series conducted by Sri Lanka on their occasion of Independence which was first played in 1998 marking their 50th independence anniversary. In Sri Lanka Nidahas means freedom. The first edition of the Nidahas trophy was played between India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the matches were played in round robin format where each team will face the other team twice. 

After the round robin stage the final two teams with highest points will play the final against each other. The 1998 Nidahas trophy final was played against India and Sri Lanka where Sri Lanka became the winner with the brilliance of Sanath Jaysuriya batting. After that there were no matches happened after that. In 2018 it, was inaugrated by Sri Lanka once again. 

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Nidhas Trophy Of 2018

In remembrance of their 100th anniversary of independence, Sri Lanka hosted the Nidahas trophy where this time India, Srilanka and Bangladesh were invited and the same round-robin round was inducted. India was led by Rohit Sharma for the first time in the tri series. It was the starting stage of Rohit Sharma's captaincy, At the end Bangladesh and India reached the final of the Nidahas trophy, earlier where Sri Lanka was beaten up by Bangladesh and they booed with naagin style dance. 

That semi final match and the type of celebration were on hurtbreak for Sri Lankan fans and they supported India in the final against Bangladesh which happened in colombo. Even the main stream of highlight was Dinesh Karthik who was making his comeback after a period of decade which was rare to seen in Indian cricket team. 

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That final Hit By Karthik

Nidahas Trophy final was held on today exactly 7 years ago where Bangladesh won the toss and choose to bat first and posted a total of 167 runs. It became a tricky chase for India where India lost top few wickets at early but the middle order came into the resuce though the job was not yet finished and then came Dinesh Karthik at number 6 but it was to much of a score to chase. 

On this day in 2018, Dinesh Karthik Anna silenced the Nagins 🐍
Most viewed Cricket Moment on YouTube till date.pic.twitter.com/lBzGWFyAvB

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) March 18, 2025

India required 34 runs in 2 overs where Dinesh Karthik took things under his shoulders he pounded the bowlers for sixes and fours, and a stage came where 5 runs required off 1 ball , Somya Sarkar bowled a full-length delivery slides wide and Karthik slashed the ball over mid-on and the ball travelled over the rope for six and Bangladesh was silenced in their every style

India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, defeated West Indies Masters by six wickets to win the International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 final in Raipur.

Batting first, West Indies Masters scored 148/7, with Lendl Simmons (57) leading the way. Vinay Kumar was India's best bowler, taking three wickets.

Ambati Rayudu hit 74 runs in return, enabling India to chase the target in 17.1 overs.

With this victory, India Masters are the IML 2025 winners!

THE WINNING MOMENT FOR INDIA. 🇮🇳

- Sachin Tendulkar led India wins the IML T20! pic.twitter.com/SUM3VKouKM

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 16, 2025

Final XIs

ALSO SEE: Watch: PM Modi Shares Thoughts on India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry

West Indies Masters:
Dwayne Smith, William Perkins, Lendl Simmons, Brian Lara (c), Chadwick Walton, Denesh Ramdin (w), Ashley Nurse, Tino Best, Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Ravi Rampaul.

India Masters:
Ambati Rayudu (w), Sachin Tendulkar (c), Pawan Negi, Yuvraj Singh, Stuart Binny, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Dhawal Kulkarni.

THE MASTER, THE LEADER, THE CHAMPION! 🏆🔥

Captain Sachin Tendulkar lifting the IML T20 Trophy – GOAT stuff! 🐐🇮🇳#IML2025 #captainleadingfromfront pic.twitter.com/zFuI11OxCZ

— Cricket fact,fun & records (@Googlyfacts45) March 16, 2025

With this victory, India Masters lift the inaugural IML T20 2025 trophy, capping off an exciting tournament for cricketing legends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke about the iconic India-Pakistan cricket rivalry in a podcast conversation with Lex Fridman. India-Pakistan is always a much-awaited fixture, since the two countries only play against each other in ICC tournaments.

India and Pakistan were locked in the recent Champions Trophy, in which India dominated the match. Star batsman Virat Kohli played a superb century as India won the match. PM Modi was asked about the rivalry and which side is superior. PM Modi made a diplomatic remark.

He emphasized how sports can unite people and nations. "I believe that sports have the potential to energize the whole world. They unite people and should always be celebrated," he added.

WATCH || Responding to Lex Fridman's (@lexfridman) question about whether India or Pakistan has the better cricket team, PM Modi highlighted the power of sports to energize the world and unite nations. He emphasized that sports play a vital role in human evolution. Referring to… pic.twitter.com/I4auuR7RI8

— DD India (@DDIndialive) March 16, 2025

"Only experts in the game can determine who is the best. But sometimes, results are self-explanatory," he said. Citing India's recent win, he noted that the result of the match indicates which team is superior at the time.

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Modi ji also clean bowled the Pakistani cricket team😂 #PMModiPodcast pic.twitter.com/ZjIelORUu7

— Pradeep Maikhuri (@PradeepMaikhur3) March 16, 2025

PM Modi was also queried on football and who his favorite player is. He stated that Diego Maradona was the greatest in the 1980s, while at present, most would accept Lionel Messi as being the greatest.

They reflect his perception of the unity strength of sports along with acceptance of India's recent supremacy over Pakistan on the cricket pitch