India have a packed ODI calendar lined up for 2026, which will play a crucial role in preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Based on the currently scheduled bilateral series, the Indian team is set to play at least 18 One Day Internationals during the year, with the possibility of more if the postponed Bangladesh tour is rescheduled.
Here’s a clear look at India’s confirmed ODI fixtures for 2026.
India ODI schedule in 2026 (confirmed)
India are scheduled to play six bilateral ODI series, each consisting of three matches.
India vs New Zealand – 3 ODIs (Home)
India vs Afghanistan – 3 ODIs (Home)
India vs England – 3 ODIs (Away)
India vs West Indies – 3 ODIs (Home)
India vs New Zealand – 3 ODIs (Away)
India vs Sri Lanka – 3 ODIs (Home)
Total confirmed ODIs in 2026: 18 matches
There is no official confirmation yet on the postponed Bangladesh tour, which was deferred earlier and tentatively pushed to 2026. If that tour goes ahead, it could add another 3 ODIs, taking the total closer to 21 matches.
How many ODIs could Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play?
With the World Cup scheduled for 2027, the 2026 season is expected to be one of the final extended ODI windows for senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to build rhythm, form and match fitness.
If both players remain part of India’s first-choice ODI setup, they could feature in most, if not all, of the 18 confirmed ODIs, depending on workload management and rest policies. The home-heavy schedule also increases the likelihood of senior players being available consistently, especially for high-profile series against teams like England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Away ODIs, particularly the England tour, are also expected to be significant from a preparation standpoint, making them important fixtures for experienced batters.
For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, these matches could represent a major chunk of their ODI build-up before the World Cup, making every series in 2026 particularly relevant.
Any confirmation on the Bangladesh tour will further shape the final ODI count for the year.
