Back in 2023, India faltered in-front of their own fans but in 2026 they made no mistake, winning the Twenty20 World Cup. India were dominant in the final against New Zealand, scoring 255 runs in their 20 overs before bowling out the opposition for just 159. Having lost the One Day International World Cup final to Australia at the same venue just over two years ago, it was a huge victory for the Indian team, but what happens next?
The Upcoming Schedule
The top Indian players will be focusing on the IPL, and the tournament will be played between the 28th of March and 31st of May. Then, as we enter June, India will play Afghanistan in one Test Match and three ODI’s. The team will then travel to England to play a limited-overs series consisting of five T20I’s and three ODI’s. While the team will be focused fully on the task of beating Afghanistan, the aim will be to taste success on English soil.
Into 2027 and we have the ICC World Test Championship Final. Having already played 9 matches and sitting sixth in the table, it seems unlikely India are going to feature in the final of that competition. Also in 2027, we have the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. That tournament is sure to be a target for the India team.
Where Can India Build Momentum?
The best betting apps in India will offer odds and some special offers for the tour of England but the English are likely to be the favourites going into the opening ODI at Chester-le-Street. India will be the big favourites to defeat Afghanistan and the next stage in the development of the current team will be to win on English soil.
It may not be such a big ask considering the recent record of India when playing in England. We must go back to 2007 to find the last time India won a Test series in England and that was the Pataudi Trophy, a three-game series. India will not be playing any Tests in England in 2026 and if we look back to India’s most recent ODI series in England, they won 2-1. India also won the most recent T20I series in England, beating the hosts 2-1.
So, in terms of building momentum following the T20 World Cup win, India can do it in England by winning both the ODI and T20I series in 2026. Maintaining momentum in the short formats will be crucial for India ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. India last won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and lost the 2023 final at home to Australia, which hurt. Tasting success in the 2027 ODI will mean India have won each of the last three short format international tournaments.
So, success in England would be a fantastic building block ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. India have shown they can win in England, and it would continue the momentum from their recent T20 triumph.
