The Indian men’s cricket team heads into 2026 with a packed calendar and plenty on the line. After a roller-coaster 2025 that brought Champions Trophy glory but also rare Test setbacks at home, the Men in Blue face a year that could define the next phase of Indian cricket.
The biggest headline is obvious — a home ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. But that’s just the start. From bilateral series to the World Test Championship grind and a long overseas tour to New Zealand at the end of the year, 2026 leaves no room to breathe.
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Home World Cup sets the tone
India begin the year with momentum and pressure in equal measure. Hosting the T20 World Cup for the first time in a decade, the team will try to do what no one has managed so far — win the tournament on home soil. A title defence, a potential third trophy, and massive expectations from fans make this the centrepiece of the year.
Bilateral cricket and WTC focus
Away from the World Cup spotlight, Test cricket quietly returns to importance. Two Tests in Sri Lanka and another tough assignment in New Zealand will shape India’s path in the World Test Championship. Selection calls, workload management, and form will be under constant scrutiny.
ODIs, meanwhile, will act as a rehearsal ground for the 2027 World Cup, with multiple series across Asia and home conditions.
Asian Games return, but with questions
India are also set to defend their Asian Games title later in the year, after gold in Hangzhou in 2023 under Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, formats and squad composition are still unclear, keeping planning fluid.
Indian men’s cricket team: full 2026 schedule
New Zealand tour of India (ODI, T20I) – 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is – January 11–31
T20 World Cup 2026 (India/Sri Lanka) – February 7 to March 8
Afghanistan tour of India (Test, ODI) – June
India tour of England (ODI, T20I) – July 1–19
India tour of Sri Lanka (Tests – WTC) – August
India tour of Bangladesh* (ODI, T20I) – September
Asian Games 2026* (T20I) – September 19 to October 4
India tour of Afghanistan* (T20I, neutral venue) – September/October
West Indies tour of India (ODI, T20I) – October/November
India tour of New Zealand (Tests, ODI, T20I) – November/December
*Some tours remain subject to confirmation due to scheduling and diplomatic factors.
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Match count snapshot
Tests: 5 (4 part of WTC)
ODIs: 18–21
T20Is: 28–35
The Indian Premier League is expected to run from March 26 to May 31, slotting neatly between the World Cup and the mid-year international window.
Why 2026 really matters
Beyond trophies, 2026 will test leadership depth, bench strength, and long-term planning. With coaches, selectors, and senior players under the scanner after last year’s ups and downs, consistency could matter just as much as silverware.
For Indian cricket, this isn’t just another busy year — it’s a crossroads.
