Following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Team India’s focus is set to shift entirely to the 50-over format. Senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, continue to remain active in One-Day Internationals with their sights firmly set on the 2027 ODI World Cup.

After the 2026 Indian Premier League season, preparations for the marquee 50-over event are expected to begin in earnest, starting with an ODI series against Afghanistan at home.

Afghanistan Series to Mark Key Return

Afghanistan’s tour of India will feature one Test match and three ODIs. The ODI leg of the series is expected to mark the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s coloured jersey as the team begins building towards 2027.

The three-match ODI series is scheduled as follows:

• June 14 – Dharamsala

• June 17 – Lucknow

• June 20 – Chennai

This will also be the first bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan on Indian soil, adding further significance to the contest.

15 Matches to Shape Their Future

Following the Afghanistan series, Rohit and Kohli could feature in up to 12 additional ODIs in 2026, taking their total opportunities this year to 15 matches.

India’s ODI calendar includes:

• Tour of England (July 2026) – Three ODIs between July 14 and 19

• Home series vs West Indies (October 2026) – Three ODIs

• Tour of New Zealand (October–November 2026) – Three ODIs

• Home series vs Sri Lanka (Late 2026) – Three ODIs

These fixtures are likely to play a decisive role in determining whether the two veterans remain central to India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Selection Uncertainty Remains

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the 2027 World Cup squad. However, the upcoming 15 ODIs present a significant window for both players to demonstrate their fitness, consistency and match-winning capabilities.