There’s a clear shift happening in Indian cricket right now. After years where T20 cricket dominated the calendar, the focus is quietly moving back toward the 50-over format. And two familiar names could benefit the most from it, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly planning to increase the number of ODI matches this year as preparations begin for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The idea is simple. More ODIs now means better preparation later.
More 50-over cricket on the calendar
Once the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup wraps up and the two-month Indian Premier League concludes, India are expected to switch their attention to ODIs. The first assignment comes in June when Afghanistan national cricket team tour India. That series will include a one-off Test followed by three ODIs.
Soon after, India are also scheduled to face England cricket team in another limited-overs contest. For players like Kohli and Rohit, that means more time back in a format where both have built legendary careers.
New Zealand tour could get two extra ODIs
There could be even more ODI action later in the year. India are set to travel to New Zealand in October for an all-format tour.
The current schedule includes: Five T20Is. Two ODIs and Two Tests but discussions are underway to adjust that balance. According to reports, the BCCI is considering adding two more ODIs while trimming the T20I series down to three matches.
If the proposal is approved, fans could see Kohli and Rohit play two additional ODI matches during the tour. Interestingly, the suggestion to increase the ODI leg reportedly came from New Zealand Cricket. Neither board has confirmed the change yet, but a revised schedule could be announced soon.
A new phase after T20I and Test retirements
The renewed focus on ODIs also comes at a time when Kohli and Rohit have already stepped away from other formats. Both players retired from T20 internationals after India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Then, in 2025, they also called time on their Test careers shortly before India’s tour of England. That leaves ODIs as the only international format where fans can regularly watch the two modern greats in Indian colours. With the 2027 World Cup still over a year away, the extra ODI fixtures could play a crucial role in keeping them match-ready.
Afghanistan series set for June
India’s ODI build-up will begin with Afghanistan’s tour in June. The series will start with a Test match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, scheduled from June 6 to June 10.
After that, the teams will move into the ODI leg. The three matches are set to be played at three different venues: The first ODI will take place at the HPCA Stadium on June 14. The second will be held at Ekana Cricket Stadium on June 17. The series will conclude at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on June 20. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the fixtures are already being finalized.
A clear road toward the 2027 World Cup
For Indian cricket, the next big target is clear. Everything now points toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Increasing the number of ODIs gives the team management more opportunities to test combinations, assess young players, and keep senior stars in rhythm. For fans, it also means something else. More chances to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together in India colours. And for many cricket followers, that alone makes the upcoming ODI calendar worth the wait.
