India’s Test Begins After IPL: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Set for Action in Team India’s Upcoming Schedule
India’s post-IPL 2026 cricket calendar is set to be packed, with the focus now shifting from the league to a demanding international schedule for Team India. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history by winning back-to-back IPL titles and young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi impressed with his performances, Indian cricket is entering a crucial phase where both senior players and emerging talents will be closely watched.
The next six months are expected to be among the busiest and most important for Indian cricket, with a mix of home and away series, selection opportunities for new faces, and major tournaments on the horizon. Much of the attention will remain on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, popularly known as “ROKO,” who are set to return to ODI action in India’s blue jersey after the IPL concludes.
India’s international season begins in June with a home series against Afghanistan. The campaign opens with a Test match in New Chandigarh from June 6, followed by three ODIs in Dharamsala on June 14, Lucknow on June 17, and Chennai on June 20. The series is expected to mark the start of a fresh phase for the team as it looks to build momentum.
Later in June, India will tour Ireland for two T20 internationals in Belfast on June 26 and June 28. This series is being viewed as a testing ground for younger players who will hope to secure their place in the national setup. The biggest challenge of the summer arrives in July, when India travels to England for a high-intensity tour featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. Matches will be played across Chester-le-Street, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s. The pace and conditions in England will provide a major examination for India’s batters and bowlers, with Kohli and Rohit expected to play key roles.
In August, India is scheduled to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka. September brings a potentially important tour of Bangladesh, subject to government approval, which would include three ODIs and three T20Is. India is also set to meet Afghanistan in a neutral venue for three T20 matches during September-October. Around the same period, West Indies will tour India for three ODIs and five T20Is, adding to the packed calendar.
Beyond bilateral series, the Asian Games 2026 in Japan will draw global attention, with India aiming to target gold once again. India will also tour New Zealand for two Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is later in the year. The season will close with Sri Lanka touring India in December for three ODIs and three T20Is across cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Cuttack, and Pune.
Overall, IPL 2026 may be over, but Indian cricket is only entering a nonstop season filled with pressure, opportunity, and major tests that could shape the team’s future.
