The Indian cricket team has had a jam-packed 2026 already. From the T20 World Cup campaign to a tour of England and a whitewash of Zimbabwe, the players have been on the road for months. But there is no rest for the weary. The second half of the year is even more packed, with a schedule that covers all three formats across multiple continents.
For fans planning their viewing or analysts tracking India's progress in the World Test Championship, understanding India's latest cricket schedule is essential. Following the action on MahadevBook provides cricket enthusiasts with comprehensive coverage and insights throughout this busy period. Let's break down every series, venue, and key date for the rest of 2026.
What is the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule?
India's immediate next assignment is a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026. This series marks India's return to Test cricket following their 2-0 home loss to South Africa, making it a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
1st Test: August 15–19, 2026 at Galle International Stadium, Galle. This venue is known as a spinner's paradise, with the surface traditionally turning from day two. India have a strong recent record here, but the conditions always present a challenge.
2nd Test: August 23–27, 2026 at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo. The SSC offers a flatter, slower surface that demands patience from batters. This contrast in venues means India must adapt their strategy from one match to the next.
Shubman Gill will lead the 15-member squad, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. The selection committee has also handed a maiden call-up to right-arm off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain, while Ravindra Jadeja has made his return to the Test squad. Jasprit Bumrah's availability, however, is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
India currently sit fifth in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth, making every point in this series critical for both teams.
When Do India Host West Indies at Home?
Following the Sri Lanka tour, India return home for a white-ball series against the West Indies. This is a significant home assignment, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The series begins with three ODIs in late September, followed by a five-match T20I series in October.
ODI Series Schedule:
1st ODI: September 27, 2026 at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
2nd ODI: September 30, 2026 at ACA Stadium, Guwahati
3rd ODI: October 3, 2026 at PCA International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
T20I Series Schedule:
1st T20I: October 6, 2026 at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
2nd T20I: October 9, 2026 at JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
3rd T20I: October 11, 2026 at Holkar Stadium, Indore
4th T20I: October 14, 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
5th T20I: October 17, 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
After a disappointing tour of England where they lost the ODI series 2-1, India will be eager to re-establish their white-ball dominance on home soil. For many fans, following these matches on platforms like MahadevBook provides an engaging way to stay connected with the action.
What Does India's Tour of New Zealand Look Like?
One of the most challenging tours of the year is India's visit to New Zealand. The all-format tour spans from late October to early December and includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches.
T20I Series (October 22 – November 1):
1st T20I: October 22 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd T20I: October 24 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
3rd T20I: October 27 at Hnry Stadium, Wellington
4th T20I: October 30 at Eden Park, Auckland
5th T20I: November 1 at Seddon Park, Hamilton
ODI Series (November 4 – November 15):
1st ODI: November 4 at Eden Park, Auckland
2nd ODI: November 7 at Hnry Stadium, Wellington
3rd ODI: November 10 at Seddon Park, Hamilton
4th ODI: November 13 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
5th ODI: November 15 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Test Series (November 19 – December 1):
1st Test: November 19–23 at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
2nd Test: November 27 – December 1 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
This tour is gruelling not just because of the number of matches, but also because of the conditions. New Zealand's pitches offer seam and swing, which often trouble visiting teams. This is where having an in-depth cricket analysis resource becomes invaluable for fans wanting to understand the tactical battles.
For those seeking detailed match previews and expert opinions, the MahadevBook cricket insights section offers comprehensive coverage of India's tours and home series throughout the year.
Who Do India Face in December?
The year concludes with Sri Lanka touring India for a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series in December.
ODI Series:
1st ODI: December 13 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
2nd ODI: December 16 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
3rd ODI: December 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
T20I Series:
1st T20I: December 22 at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
2nd T20I: December 24 at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
3rd T20I: December 27 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
This home series wraps up a massive year of international cricket for India, with the players finishing the year on home soil before a likely short break.
What About the Bangladesh Series?
There is also the possibility of a white-ball series against Bangladesh in September 2026. However, the series is still uncertain and depends largely on political factors between the two countries.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal has expressed hope that India will tour, stating, "I am very hopeful that they will come." But he also noted that there are certain things beyond his control that will ultimately determine the outcome. If the series goes ahead, it is scheduled to comprise three ODIs and three T20Is. For now, fans and analysts will have to wait for official confirmation from the BCCI.
Why Is This Schedule Significant?
The sheer volume of cricket India are playing reflects the demands of the modern game. The schedule includes WTC points (Sri Lanka and New Zealand Tests), crucial white-ball series for World Cup preparations, and opportunities to test squad depth across formats.
From a strategy perspective, the workload management of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, whose fitness is being monitored closely, will be critical. The transition in leadership, with Shubman Gill now leading the Test side, adds another layer of intrigue.
The complete India's latest cricket schedule provides a roadmap for fans, analysts, and platforms providing live cricket updates. It is a calendar packed with high-stakes cricket that will define the team's trajectory heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's next match in 2026?
India's next assignment is the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15, 2026, at Galle International Stadium. This marks their return to Test cricket after the home series loss to South Africa.
How many Tests will India play in 2026 after August?
After the Sri Lanka series, India will play two Tests in New Zealand in November-December 2026. This includes matches at Basin Reserve in Wellington and Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Where can I find the full India vs West Indies 2026 schedule?
India host West Indies for a white-ball series starting September 27, 2026. The schedule includes 3 ODIs in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, followed by 5 T20Is in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Is India touring Bangladesh in 2026?
The series is currently uncertain. While BCB president Tamim Iqbal has expressed hope that the tour will happen, it depends on multiple factors, including political considerations between the two countries.
What is India's full cricket schedule for the remainder of 2026?
India's upcoming schedule includes: a 2-Test series in Sri Lanka (Aug), 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is against West Indies at home (Sep-Oct), an all-format tour of New Zealand (Oct-Dec), and a home white-ball series against Sri Lanka (Dec).
Why is the Sri Lanka Test series important for India?
The series is crucial for India's World Test Championship campaign. Currently placed fifth in the standings, India need positive results to climb the table and stay in contention for the final.
Final Thoughts
Keeping track of India's latest cricket schedule for the rest of 2026 requires a calendar of its own. From the spin-friendly tracks of Galle to the seaming conditions of New Zealand, India's cricketers face a challenging road ahead.
Understanding the schedule is more than just knowing dates. It is about appreciating the tactical shifts required across formats and conditions. As the team embarks on this busy period, resources like the MahadevBook platform can offer fans deeper engagement with the sport.
Whether it is the Test matches in Sri Lanka or the T20Is at home, every fixture carries significance. For now, the focus shifts to Galle, where a new-look Indian Test side under Shubman Gill will look to start the second half of the year on a winning note.