How many ODIs can Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli play for India before ICC World Cup 2027?

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The Indian cricket has been rocked by two heavyweight departures as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both have announced their retirement from Test cricket.

Rohit and Virat calling it quits in the longest format of the game within days has created a significant void in the Indian Test setup, with their upcoming series against England just over a month away.

The duo retired from T20Is after the T20 World Cup win last year, and now the Test retirement means they will only feature in the 50-over format for India. With the 2027 ODI World Cup being seen as theur final frontier, the veteran stars will only feature in the India Blue in ODI matches.

How Many ODI Matches can Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli play before 2027 World Cup?

Following their Champions Trophy triumph, the Indian men’s cricket team will turn its attention to the long-term build-up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

Rohit Sharma and his squad are slated to play 27 ODIs across nine bilateral series, giving the team ample preparation heading into the marquee tournament. These series will see India compete against eight different countries, with New Zealand being the only side they face twice. Of the nine planned series, six will be played at home and three will be overseas, ensuring the team gains experience in varied conditions.

India’s Confirmed ODI Series Till 2027 World Cup

August 2025 – Bangladesh (Away)

India's ODI journey post the Champions Trophy resumes with a three-match series in Bangladesh. Traditionally a stronghold for the hosts, the spin-friendly pitches will provide a good challenge for India's batting order.

October-November 2025 – Australia (Away)

India will then tour Australia for another high-octane series. These ODIs promise to be fiercely contested, offering India an opportunity to test their mettle in bouncier conditions.

November-December 2025 – South Africa (Home)

Back on home soil, India will take on South Africa in a three-match series. The Proteas’ pace attack and India’s subcontinental strength will make for an intriguing contest.

January 2026 – New Zealand (Home)

India will host the Kiwis in early 2026. Given New Zealand’s recent strong showings in ICC events, this series will be pivotal for assessing India’s core team strategy.

June 2026 – Afghanistan (Home)

Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack will test India’s middle order when they visit for three ODIs in June. The series will be crucial in preparing for similar matchups in the World Cup.

July 2026 – England (Away)

An away trip to England is lined up in July, where swing conditions will challenge India's top order. The series will be an important test for adaptability and balance.

September-October 2026 – West Indies (Home)

India’s next home series will be against the West Indies. Known for their aggressive style, the Caribbean side will push India's bowlers, particularly in the death overs.

October-November 2026 – New Zealand (Home)

India will lock horns with New Zealand once again later in 2026. With the World Cup drawing closer, this series will allow both teams to finalize combinations.

December 2026 – Sri Lanka (Home)

India’s final ODI series before entering the World Cup year will be against Sri Lanka. The familiar subcontinental clash is expected to be competitive and will serve as a final tuning ground for the team.

This structured run of matches sets the stage for India to build a cohesive and battle-tested squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, with a balance of conditions, opposition styles, and strategic experimentation.

India's ODI Schedule Till World Cup 2027 – At a Glance