As the countdown to the 2027 Cricket World Cup begins, India appears set to increase their focus on the 50-over format. According to a report in The Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering scheduling more One-Day Internationals in the coming months to strengthen the team’s preparation for the global event.
With senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continuing to lead India’s ODI ambitions, several cricket boards have reportedly approached the BCCI over the past two months requesting additional 50-over matches during their bilateral series against India. The Indian board is understood to be receptive to these proposals, which could significantly expand India’s ODI calendar.
India already faces a busy schedule once the Indian Premier League concludes. The Men in Blue are set to host the Afghanistan cricket team for a short series featuring one Test and three ODIs. Soon after, the team will travel to the United Kingdom to face the England national cricket team in a white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.
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During the UK tour, India could also play an additional series against the Ireland national cricket team. Discussions between Cricket Ireland and the BCCI are reportedly at an advanced stage. The matches could either be held in Ireland or staged in Southampton, with the schedule likely to include three ODIs or three T20Is, depending on final agreements.
Increasing the number of ODI fixtures is viewed as a strategic step toward preparing for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The conditions in southern Africa often demand adaptability, and more match practice could help India fine-tune their combinations well before the tournament.
🚨 100 HUNDRED!! DREAM ALIVE FOR VIRAT KOHLI 🚨
“Multiple cricket boards have officially requested the (BCCI) to include additional ODI matches in their upcoming away tours ” ( Express Sports)
That means Rohit – Virat Kohli will get more games🔥
— Kiara (@crickiara) March 12, 2026
While India’s T20 side has enjoyed remarkable success in recent years, the ODI team is still searching for its ideal balance. A recent home series defeat to the New Zealand national cricket team served as a reminder that the format still requires careful planning.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously pointed out that several young players are still learning how to pace a 50-over innings. Talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal need more opportunities in the format to develop the right balance between aggression and patience.
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There were also earlier discussions about a short tour of Sri Lanka in January. The plan was initially postponed, but talks have resumed, and Sri Lanka Cricket is reportedly pushing for a three-match ODI series — a contest expected to attract large crowds thanks to the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
