In what looks to be an exciting season with a new cycle starting after the mega auction, the Indian cricket team will disperse and compete against each other over the next two months after winning the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to begin on March 22. Most franchises have also announced a change in leadership, and several top stars are expected to play for new teams.
India hopes to make it to the final of the fourth edition after missing the summit match in 2025 for the first time ever. The team’s next task is a high-profile five-match Test series against England, which will kick off the 2025–27 World Test championship.
After a close loss in 2021-2022, India will also aim to capture the Pataudi Trophy after an 18-year hiatus. After a terrible 2024–25 season, the series may also signal the start of a time of transition for the nation in red-ball cricket, with a new captain most likely to assume leadership.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup as the next ICC competition on the horizon, white-ball cricket’s attention will turn to T20I cricket. In February and March of the following year, India plans to defend its championship domestically. Sri Lanka will also co-host the competition.
Indian Cricket Team’s Full Schedule Till 2026 T20 World Cup
| Series | Host Country | Matches | Dates |
| India tour of England (Pataudi Trophy) | England | 5 Test Matches | 21st June – 4th August 2025 |
| India tour of Bangladesh | Bangladesh | 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | August 2025 |
| Asia Cup 2025 (T20 format) | TBD | TBD | September 2025 |
| West Indies Tour of India | India | 2 Test Matches | October 2025 |
| India tour of Australia | Australia | 3 ODI, 5 T20Is | October/November 2025 |
| South Africa tour of India | India | 2 Test Matches, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | November/December 2025 |
| New Zealand tour of India | India | 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is | January 2026 |
| T20 World Cup 2026 | India/Sri Lanka | TBD | February/March 2026 |
India will play nine Test matches and twelve ODIs throughout the upcoming year. The team led by Suryakumar Yadav is also guaranteed to play 18 Twenty20 Internationals in addition to their Asia Cup (3–8) and T20 World Cup matches.
On March 22, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders will play at Eden Gardens to kick off the 2025 Indian Premier League season. On May 25, the final will be held at the same location.
