The year 2025 is almost over and 2026 is nearly upon us. For the Indian cricket team, the year has been a mixed back when it comes to formats.
India have done well in ODIs and T20Is but failed miserably in Tests. Now in 2026, they have to start from scratch with so many objectives in front of them. The likes of will have to lead by example for India to do well across formats.
Team India’s 2025 Report Card
White-ball form has been good in 2025. India won 11 and lost three out of 14 ODIs. That includes a series win vs England, the Champions Trophy, a series loss to Australia and series victory over South Africa. In T20Is, India have done really well with 16 wins, three losses and two no-results in 21 games. These comprise bilateral series wins over England, Australia and South Africa along with an Asia Cup title. In Tests, it’s been nothing to write home about. India have won four, lost five and drawn one out of Test matches. They lost the last one vs Australia to surrender the series, drew in England, whitewashed West Indies before being whitewashed by West Indies. Now, in 2026, Team India has three clear objectives. They are to win the , build momentum for the ODI World Cup in 2027 and rise on the World Test Championship ladder to boost their chances of playing the WTC Final in 2027.
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Winning the T20 World Cup
India play one T20I series vs New Zealand from January 21 to 31 before starting their T20 World Cup campaign vs USA on February 7. The all-important clash vs Pakistan is on February 15. The final is on March 8. If India win, they will be the first hosts, first to win three titles and first to win consecutive editions. India are the defending champions having won in 2024 and also the 1st-ever winners back in 2007.
Preparing for ODI World Cup
In 2026, India also have to get into the groove ahead of the ODI World Cup in 2027. They have a three-match series vs New Zealand from January 11 to January 18. After that, they play Afghanistan in June and home in three ODIs before going to England in July for another three-match series. Then in September-October West Indies will come for a three-match series to India. Then in October-November, India shall face New Zealand at home for another ODI series. In December Sri Lanka comes for another ODI series. All these games will be more than enough for India to set their combinations ahead of the ICC event in late 2027.
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Climbing Up the World Test Championship Ladder
India’s biggest challenge will be getting back on their feet in Tests. They are ranked pretty low on the WTC ladder. In 2026, India have two Tests each against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. They will want to avenge the whitewash they suffered vs the Kiwis in 2024 and it has been some time since they played Sri Lanka in the longest format. If India can win all of them, the odds of finishing in the top two go up. The top two sides will face off in the WTC Final in 2027.
How Will 2026 Be for the Indian Cricket Team?
Of course, all this is easier said than done. It’s too early to tell what will happen. India have a mountain to climb and every game will be important across formats. How will 2026 turn out for Team India? Better than 2025 or worse? Let’s wait and watch!