India Cricket Schedule 2025-26: Complete Guide to Upcoming Matches and Tours

By SaveDelete August 5, 2025 Updated: January 6, 2026

The Indian men's cricket team is gearing up for a thrilling 2025-2026 season, packed with high-octane matches and challenging tours. Cricket enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly anticipating the action across all formats: Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This comprehensive guide provides the latest updates on India's cricket fixtures, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the excitement.

India Cricket Schedule 2025-2026: A Detailed Overview

This season promises a blend of home and away series, featuring clashes against formidable opponents. Let's delve into the specifics of the schedule, highlighting key matches and series that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

South Africa Tour of India 2025: ODI Series

India will host South Africa for a 3-match ODI series in September 2025. This series will be crucial preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy and will give both teams a chance to fine-tune their strategies and team composition.

ODI Series Schedule:

September 5, 2025: 1st ODI at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala (2:00 PM IST)
September 8, 2025: 2nd ODI at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
September 11, 2025: 3rd ODI at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2:00 PM IST)

These matches are expected to be closely contested, with both India and South Africa boasting strong ODI squads. Keep an eye on key players from both sides who will be looking to make a significant impact.

Australia Tour of India 2025: Test Series

Following the ODI series, India will face Australia in a highly anticipated 5-match Test series in October-November 2025. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is always a fiercely contested affair, and this series promises to be no different.

Test Series Schedule:

October 16-20, 2025: 1st Test at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (9:30 AM IST)
October 24-28, 2025: 2nd Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (9:30 AM IST)
November 1-5, 2025: 3rd Test at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur (9:30 AM IST)
November 9-13, 2025: 4th Test at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (9:30 AM IST)
November 17-21, 2025: 5th Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad (9:30 AM IST)

This Test series will be a true test of India's batting and bowling prowess. The spin-friendly conditions in India are likely to pose a significant challenge for the Australian batsmen, while the Indian batsmen will need to be wary of the Australian pace attack.

India Tour of Zimbabwe 2025: T20I Series

In December 2025, the Indian team will travel to Zimbabwe for a 5-match T20I series. This series will provide an opportunity for India to experiment with their squad and give exposure to young talent.

T20I Series Schedule:

December 6, 2025: 1st T20I at Harare Sports Club, Harare (1:30 PM IST)
December 8, 2025: 2nd T20I at Harare Sports Club, Harare (1:30 PM IST)
December 10, 2025: 3rd T20I at Harare Sports Club, Harare (1:30 PM IST)
December 13, 2025: 4th T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (1:30 PM IST)
December 15, 2025: 5th T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (1:30 PM IST)

While Zimbabwe may not be considered a cricketing powerhouse, they are capable of pulling off upsets, especially in the T20 format. India will need to be at their best to secure a series victory.

India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Test and ODI Series

Starting in January 2026, India will tour New Zealand for a 2-match Test series followed by a 3-match ODI series. Playing in New Zealand presents unique challenges due to the different weather conditions and pitches.

Test Series Schedule:

January 22-26, 2026: 1st Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington (3:30 AM IST)
January 30-February 3, 2026: 2nd Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (3:30 AM IST)

ODI Series Schedule:

February 7, 2026: 1st ODI at Eden Park, Auckland (7:30 AM IST)
February 10, 2026: 2nd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton (7:30 AM IST)
February 13, 2026: 3rd ODI at University Oval, Dunedin (7:30 AM IST)

The New Zealand tour will be a crucial test of India's adaptability and resilience. The swinging conditions in New Zealand will challenge the Indian batsmen, while the Indian bowlers will need to find ways to exploit the conditions.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2025. This prestigious tournament will feature the top eight ODI teams in the world, battling it out for the coveted title. India's participation and performance in the Champions Trophy will be a major highlight of the 2025-2026 season.

Note: While the schedule is not yet finalized, the tournament is expected to run from mid-February to early March 2025. Official dates and match schedules will be released by the ICC in due course.

Key Players to Watch in 2025-2026

Several Indian cricketers are expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:

Virat Kohli: The modern-day legend will continue to be a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup, providing stability and aggression.
Rohit Sharma: As captain, Rohit will lead the team with his experience and tactical acumen, aiming to guide India to victory in major tournaments.
Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead of the Indian pace attack, Bumrah's ability to bowl match-winning spells will be crucial in all formats.
Ravindra Jadeja: A valuable all-rounder, Jadeja's spin bowling, batting prowess, and exceptional fielding make him an indispensable asset to the team.
Rishabh Pant: A dynamic wicket-keeper batsman who can change the game with his aggressive approach.
Shubman Gill: The young opener is expected to cement his place in the team and provide solid starts at the top of the order.

Comparison of Upcoming Series

Here's a comparison of the major series India will be participating in during the 2025-2026 season:

Series	Format	Opponent	Location	Significance
South Africa Tour of India	ODI	South Africa	India	Preparation for Champions Trophy
Australia Tour of India	Test	Australia	India	Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India Tour of Zimbabwe	T20I	Zimbabwe	Zimbabwe	Opportunity for experimentation and exposure to young talent
India Tour of New Zealand	Test & ODI	New Zealand	New Zealand	Test of adaptability and resilience in challenging conditions
ICC Champions Trophy	ODI	Various	Pakistan	Prestigious tournament featuring top ODI teams

How to Watch India Cricket Matches Live

There are several ways to catch the live action of India's cricket matches:

Television: Star Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for most of India's international matches.
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar is the official streaming partner for Star Sports, allowing you to watch matches live on your mobile devices and computers.
Online: Several sports websites and apps provide live scores, commentary, and match updates.
Radio: Tune in to radio stations for live commentary of the matches.

Impact of the Schedule on Team Performance

The packed schedule will undoubtedly have an impact on the Indian team's performance. Managing player workload, preventing injuries, and maintaining team morale will be crucial for success. The team management will need to rotate players effectively and ensure that the key players are fresh and ready for the important matches.

BCCI Schedule Priorities for 2025-2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces several priorities when planning the cricket schedule:

Balancing home and away series: Ensuring a fair distribution of matches played in India and abroad.
Scheduling matches against top-ranked teams: Providing opportunities for India to compete against the best teams in the world.
Managing player workload: Preventing player burnout and injuries by carefully managing the number of matches each player participates in.
Maximizing revenue: Scheduling matches at popular venues and during peak viewing times to generate revenue for the BCCI.
Promoting domestic cricket: Providing opportunities for domestic players to showcase their talent and earn a place in the national team.

Factors Influencing Match Scheduling

Several factors influence the scheduling of cricket matches:

Weather conditions: Matches are typically scheduled during favorable weather conditions to ensure minimal disruptions.
Venue availability: The availability of stadiums and other facilities can impact the scheduling of matches.
International cricket calendar: The ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP) outlines the overall framework for international cricket scheduling.
Broadcasting rights: Broadcasting agreements can influence the timing and location of matches.
Security considerations: Security concerns can impact the scheduling and location of matches, especially in certain regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the India cricket season 2025-2026 officially begin?
The season begins in September 2025 with the ODI series against South Africa.
Where will the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be held?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan.
Which teams will India play in Test matches during this period?
India will play Test series against Australia (at home) and New Zealand (away).
How can I purchase tickets for India cricket matches?
Tickets are typically sold online through official ticketing partners of the BCCI or the respective state cricket associations. Keep an eye on official announcements for ticket sales dates and platforms.
What are the key challenges for the Indian team in the upcoming season?
Key challenges include managing player workload, adapting to different playing conditions, and maintaining consistency across all formats.
Will there be any new faces in the Indian squad for the 2025-2026 season?
It is likely that some young and promising players will be given opportunities to showcase their talent in the T20I series and potentially in other formats as well. Keep an eye on domestic performances for potential call-ups.
What is the significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in cricket, with a rich history and intense rivalry between India and Australia. Winning this series is a major goal for both teams.
How can I stay updated on the latest news and updates regarding the India cricket schedule?
You can stay updated by following official BCCI announcements, sports websites and apps, and social media channels of cricket news outlets.
What are the potential impacts of the schedule on player fitness and performance?
A packed schedule can lead to player fatigue and increase the risk of injuries. Effective player management, including strategic rest and rotation, is crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the role of the BCCI in determining the cricket schedule?
The BCCI plays a key role in planning the domestic and international cricket schedule for India, taking into account factors such as player workload, venue availability, and commercial considerations. They work in coordination with the ICC to finalize the Future Tours Programme (FTP).