From T20 World Cup to New Zealand Tour: The Indian men’s cricket team heads into 2026 with huge expectations after a dramatic and action-packed 2025.
While the year delivered unforgettable highs such as the Champions Trophy triumph, it also exposed serious cracks—including a rare second home Test series whitewash in two years, surprise retirements, leadership reshuffles, and constant scrutiny of the team management.
With pressure mounting on players, coaches, and selectors, 2026 promises to be one of the most defining years for Indian cricket.
From hosting a home T20 World Cup to a long and challenging tour of New Zealand at the end of the year, the Men in Blue face a packed calendar across all three formats.
A Home T20 World Cup After 10 Years: India’s Biggest Mission
The biggest headline of India’s 2026 calendar is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February to March.
For the first time in a decade, India will host a global T20 event and will aim to script history by becoming the first team to win and defend a T20 World Cup on home soil.
Having already lifted the trophy twice, the Men in Blue will also chase an elusive third title — a feat no other team has achieved so far.
ODIs, WTC Push and Asian Games in Focus
Beyond the T20 World Cup, India’s roadmap for 2026 is equally intense:
- ODIs will dominate the calendar as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup begins in earnest.
- The team resumes its World Test Championship (WTC) campaign with crucial away Tests, especially in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
- India will also return to the Asian Games, where they will defend the gold medal won by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side in 2023.
With multiple trophies at stake, individual performances could shape careers and future leadership decisions.
Indian Men’s Cricket Team Schedule – 2026
| Series / Tournament | Host Country | Format | Matches | Dates |
| New Zealand tour of India | India | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | 11–31 January 2026 |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2026 | India / Sri Lanka | T20I | 4–9 T20Is | 7 February – 8 March 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 | 2 Tests (WTC) | August 2026 |
| India tour of Bangladesh* | Bangladesh | ODI, T20I | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | September 2026 |
| Asian Games 2026* | Japan | T20I | 1–3 T20Is | 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 was postponed from 2025 due to diplomatic tensions and is yet to be officially confirmed.
* Asian Games format and number of matches are tentative, based on the previous edition.
India’s Match Count in 2026
- Tests: 5 (4 part of WTC)
- ODIs: 18–21
- T20Is: 28–35
The volume of white-ball cricket underlines India’s long-term planning for global tournaments, while limited Tests mean every WTC match carries massive significance.
IPL 2026 Window
The Indian Premier League 2026 is expected to run from March 26 to May 31, acting as a crucial bridge between the T20 World Cup and the mid-year international season.
A Make-or-Break Year for Indian Cricket
From hosting a home World Cup to navigating tough overseas tours in England and New Zealand, 2026 could redefine the direction of Indian men’s cricket.
With form, fitness, leadership, and selection all under the microscope, every series will matter — not just for results, but for shaping India’s future across formats.
For the Men in Blue, the journey from the T20 World Cup at home to the challenging New Zealand tour will test depth, resilience, and a championship mindset like never before.
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