India are likely to play more One Day Internationals over the next 12 months as preparations begin for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Several cricket boards are reportedly keen to add more ODI matches to their tours with India. These include Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, and Ireland.
The presence of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is also believed to have increased interest in 50 over matches.
India’s schedule will become busy once the IPL season ends. The team is set to host Afghanistan for one Test and three ODIs.
After that, India will travel to England for a series that includes three ODIs and five T20Is. During the same tour, India could also face Ireland in a short series.
Talks between the BCCI and Ireland are currently ongoing. The proposed series could include either three T20Is or three ODIs.
The matches may be held either in Ireland or in Southampton in England.
India’s increased focus on ODIs is mainly linked to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team is still trying to build the right balance in the 50 over format.
India’s recent home series defeat against New Zealand highlighted areas that need improvement in ODIs.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has also stated that younger players are still learning how to manage a full 50 over innings.
Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal will need more experience in the format. This is especially important when playing in overseas conditions.
India are also scheduled to play two Tests in Sri Lanka. However, the hosts are pushing to add white ball matches to the tour.
Sri Lanka Cricket has also shown interest in hosting a day night Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo after installing floodlights at the venue.
The BCCI has not yet confirmed whether India will agree to play a pink ball Test.
There are also discussions about adding ODIs to the series. Matches featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to attract strong crowd support.
India are also scheduled to play three T20Is against Afghanistan in the UAE. However, the current political situation in the region has created uncertainty about the tour.
Similarly, India’s white ball tour of Bangladesh will depend on government approval. The tour was postponed earlier.
If both tours are delayed, India’s only commitment during that period could be the Asian Games in Japan, where cricket will be played in the T20 format.
Later in the year, India will host West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is during the festive season.
After that series, India will travel to New Zealand for a full tour.
The original schedule includes two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. However, New Zealand Cricket has requested the addition of two more ODIs.
If approved, India could play up to 10 white ball matches during the New Zealand tour alone.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup as the main target, India appear ready to increase their focus on the 50 over format.
Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are also playing a key role in attracting more ODI fixtures.
If these additional matches are confirmed, India could face a packed international schedule over the next year as World Cup preparations gather momentum.
