Following recent success in T20 World Cups and the Champions Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now shifting its attention towards preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite their dominance in white-ball cricket, India have not secured the ODI World Cup title since 2011. The team came close in 2023 but fell short against Australia in the final under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
With the Indian Premier League set to conclude in May, the national side is expected to turn its primary focus to the 50-over format. According to a report in The Indian Express, the BCCI has received several proposals from overseas cricket boards to include additional ODI fixtures during away tours, an initiative the Indian board is understood to have accepted.
Currently, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to feature for India in the ODI format, and an expanded schedule could provide the experienced duo with valuable match practice ahead of the global event.
India’s immediate international calendar includes a home series against Afghanistan comprising one Test and three ODIs, followed by an overseas tour to England featuring three ODIs and five T20Is. There is also the possibility of additional fixtures against Ireland during that tour.
Further discussions are reportedly ongoing with Sri Lanka Cricket regarding potential white-ball matches. India are also scheduled to contest limited-overs series against Bangladesh, subject to clearance, as well as West Indies and New Zealand. As per the same report, New Zealand have requested more ODI fixtures during their tour.
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Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has begun preparations for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, with practice videos of the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain attracting widespread attention on social media. In a reel posted on Instagram, the 37-year-old was seen undergoing an intensive batting session as he gears up for the tournament, prompting enthusiastic reactions from fans.
