India has kicked off the ODI series against the West Indies with a victory. Team India won the first match by 8 wickets. Two matches remain in the series, which are considered crucial in terms of World Cup preparations.
Team India ODI Matches Before 2027 World Cup: Full Schedule
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament schedule could be announced on October 1. Consequently, all teams have started gearing up for the World Cup. Team India is also playing a home ODI series against the West Indies, aiming to test itself and strengthen its preparations.
In fact, following the ongoing series against the West Indies, India is set to play ODI series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. According to the current schedule, 13 bilateral ODI matches are lined up for India ahead of the 2027 World Cup. However, the schedule could change in the future, and additional matches might be added.
Furthermore, the 2027 Asia Cup is likely to be played in the 50-over format. This could provide India with an opportunity to assess its preparations for ODI cricket leading up to the World Cup.
Indian Team's Schedule Through January
- India has two more ODI matches to play in the ongoing series against the West Indies.
- Following this, Team India will tour New Zealand in November 2026 to play a five-match ODI series.
- In December, India will host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series.
- Subsequently, in January 2027, the Indian team will play a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe on home soil.
According to the current schedule, India is set to play 13 bilateral ODI matches before the World Cup. These matches will provide the team with an opportunity to assess player performances and refine the team combination to suit varying conditions. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, India has played 30 ODIs; the team won 19, lost 10, and one match ended in a no-result. During this period, India won ODI series against South Africa, England, and Afghanistan. Additionally, Team India also clinched the Champions Trophy title in 2025.
India has also made a brilliant start to the ongoing series against the West Indies, winning the first ODI by 8 wickets. Two matches remain in the series, which will be crucial for World Cup preparations. The five-match ODI series against New Zealand in November will pose a significant challenge for the Indian team, as these matches will be played in overseas conditions. Subsequently, a home series against Sri Lanka and a series against Zimbabwe in January 2027 will allow the team to finalize its combination.
The Indian team could play against Bangladesh
An ODI series between India and Bangladesh was previously proposed for August-September 2025 but was postponed; new dates for the series have not yet been announced. If it is included in the future schedule, the number of ODI matches for India could increase further. The 2027 Asia Cup could also play a crucial role in India's World Cup preparations.
This tournament is likely to be played in the 50-over format. Consequently, the matches played during the Asia Cup would offer India an additional opportunity—ahead of the World Cup—to assess team combinations, player roles, and performance under pressure.
