India's Next ODI Series: Dates, Opponent & Full Schedule

Published - 18 Jan 2026, 21:50 IST | Updated - 18 Jan 2026, 21:53 IST

India’s ODI stint in 2026 has begun on a mixed note. After starting the year with a home series against New Zealand, the Men in Blue suffered a setback in the final match at Indore, losing the third ODI and conceding the series 1-2. With the focus now shifting towards T20Is and the upcoming T20 World Cup, fans are waiting to watch India return to the 50-over format and who they will face next.

India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand concluded on January 18 in Indore with a 41-run defeat in the decider. Chasing a target of 338, India were bowled out for 296 despite a fighting century from Virat Kohli, who scored 124 off 108 balls. Harshit Rana’s maiden ODI fifty also kept the hosts in the contest, but early wickets and a lack of support cost them the game. Earlier, New Zealand posted 337/8, courtesy of centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106). India’s bowlers struggled to contain the middle overs, allowing the visitors to build an important partnership.

Notably, it was India’s first home ODI defeat after winning the toss since October 2022 and New Zealand’s first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India. After taking a 1-0 lead, India failed to close out the series, allowing the Kiwis to bounce back strongly and win the next two matches.

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Following the ODI setback, India will move away from the 50-over format for the next few months. The team is scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will also serve as a final preparation for the T20 World Cup beginning on February 7.

Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be part of the T20I action, having retired from the shortest format in 2024. Their next competitive appearances will come in the Indian Premier League, which runs from March 26 to May 31. Kohli will represent the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Rohit Sharma will lead the Mumbai Indians in his hunt for a sixth IPL title.

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India’s next ODI assignment is expected to be against Afghanistan. According to the Future Tours Program (2023-27), Afghanistan is scheduled to tour India for a three-match ODI series in June 2026. However, the official dates and venues are yet to be confirmed. This series will record India’s return to the ODI format after a long gap, and it is likely to see Kohli and Rohit back in national colours.

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After the Afghanistan series, India will tour England in July for a three-match ODI series, starting July 14 at Edgbaston. The England tour will be a build-up for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Later in the year, India will host the West Indies for another white-ball series, followed by a possible away ODI series against New Zealand in October-November. India’s ODI calendar for 2026 is expected to conclude with a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December. In total, India is scheduled to play up to six bilateral ODI series in 2026, amounting to a possible 18 ODIs.