India has played in the finals of three consecutive ICC events, winning two of them. Although their dreams of the 2023 ODI World Cup were dashed, Rohit Sharma’s team emerged champions in the recently concluded Champions Trophy in the same format. All in all, they are currently going through a golden time. Meanwhile, India has planned to play ODI series with various countries for the rest of this year. The tour of Bangladesh is also on the list.
Indian media outlet ‘Indian Express’ reported that India will play 27 ODIs before the next ODI World Cup under the ICC’s Future Tour Program (FTP). Out of these, 9 will be played this year and the remaining 18 ODIs will be played between January and December 2026. Later, the 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. India has initially planned to play their ODI series before the mega tournament, but their FTP schedule may also change.
As per the plan, Rohit-Kohli-Bumrah may visit Bangladesh in August this year. Where they are scheduled to play a 3-match ODI series with the Tigers. Although the schedule for that series has not been finalized yet. Apart from this, India has two more ODI series in 2025. They will play a series on Australian soil in October and against South Africa at home in November.
There were rumors that two Indian veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would retire after this year’s Champions Trophy. However, it is believed that both of them will prolong their ODI careers by not taking that path. It is even heard that Rohit-Kohli have the 2027 World Cup in their plans. This mega event of the ICC can be held on African soil in October-November of that year. India is already planning to play 9 ODI series of 3 matches with 8 teams, giving importance to the tournament.
ODIs that India can play before the 2027 World Cup
August, 2025: Opponent Bangladesh (3 ODIs, away)
October, 2025: Opponent Australia (3 ODIs, away)
November, 2025: Opponent South Africa (3 ODIs, home)
January, 2026: Opponent New Zealand (3 ODIs, home)
June, 2026: Opponent Afghanistan (3 ODIs, home)
July, 2026: Opponent England (3 ODIs, away)
September, 2026: Opponent West Indies (3 ODIs, home)
November, 2026: Opponent New Zealand (3 ODIs, away)
December, 2026: Opponent Sri Lanka (3 ODIs, home)