Mumbai, March 27. The roadmap for the Indian cricket team leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup has become clear following the release of the new schedule by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. This period is considered extremely significant for the team as they begin their preparations for the mega event. The focus remains heavily on veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, for whom this World Cup is viewed as a crucial milestone in their careers. Since both players are currently focusing on the one-day format, every upcoming match serves as a vital opportunity for them to prove their form and rhythm.
According to the newly released schedule, the Indian team is set to participate in approximately twenty ODI matches before the 2027 World Cup. While there is a possibility that more matches could be added to the calendar in the future, the current plan provides the team with ample opportunities to fine-tune their strategies. As per agency report, the national team will return to international cricket action immediately after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League, embarking on a series of consecutive assignments to build momentum.
The ODI campaign will commence with a home series against Afghanistan. This assignment will begin with a solitary Test match, followed by a three-match ODI series. These one-day internationals are scheduled to take place between June 14 and June 20. This will be the first international engagement for the Indian players after the domestic T20 league, allowing them to transition back into the fifty-over format and regain their competitive edge.
Following the series against Afghanistan, the Indian team will travel to England for a three-match ODI series. The schedule also includes a home series against the West Indies consisting of three matches. One of the most critical segments of the preparation will be the tour of New Zealand, where India is slated to play a lengthy five-match ODI series. Additionally, the team will host both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for three-match ODI series each on home soil.
The performance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during these matches will be closely monitored by fans and selectors alike. Both legendary cricketers will aim to consolidate their positions by scoring heavily in the upcoming series. Their individual contributions and fitness levels over these twenty matches will ultimately determine their participation in the 2027 World Cup squad. The structured schedule ensures a balance between home series and challenging overseas tours to prepare the squad for the global tournament.
