The BCCI has officially unveiled the roadmap for the 2026-27 home international season, sparking immediate excitement among cricket enthusiasts across the country. Following a period of intense away tours and ICC events, the focus shifts back to Indian soil, where the Men in Blue are set to host a marathon of high-octane cricket. With 22 matches scheduled across 17 different cities, the upcoming calendar ensures that the ‘Blue Wave’ will sweep through every corner of the nation, from the coastal breeze of Trivandrum to the historic grounds of Kolkata. However, for most fans, the schedule release answers one primary question: when will we see the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action in front of their home crowds?
BCCI announces comprehensive 2026-27 home season schedule
The BCCI’s newly released itinerary is a balanced mix of white-ball fireworks and the prestige of the long format. The season officially kicks off on September 27, 2026, with the West Indies arriving for a multi-format tour. This opening leg features three ODIs in Trivandrum, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, followed by a five-match T20I series spanning Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
As the winter chill sets in, Sri Lanka will visit in December 2026 for three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches hosted in major hubs like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune. This is followed by a quick three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in early January 2027, bringing international cricket to the iconic Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium. However, the crown jewel of the season remains the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Starting January 21, 2027, India will face Australia in a gruelling five-match Test series. This ultimate test of skill will travel through Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, and Ranchi, before reaching its grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in early March.
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When are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to take the field in Indian colours?
Following their T20I retirement after the 2024 World Cup and their subsequent departure from Test cricket in May 2025, Rohit and Kohli have transitioned into ODI specialists for the national side. Consequently, they will be absent from the T20I legs against West Indies and Sri Lanka, as well as the high-profile Test series against Australia.
The definitive dates for fans to see the duo back on home soil are centered around the ODI segments. They are expected to make their first appearance of the season in the opening ODI against West Indies on September 27, 2026, in Trivandrum. This will be followed by two more matches in the same series.
Their next home outing will be the Sri Lanka ODI series starting December 13, 2026, in Delhi, followed by matches in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Finally, they are slated to lead the batting lineup in the Zimbabwe ODI series starting January 3, 2027, featuring a highly anticipated match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. For Rohit and Virat, these nine home ODIs are more than just fixtures; they are the primary platform to refine their game as they move toward the twilight of their illustrious international careers.
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