India is bracing for a jam-packed 2021. While the BCCI is still finalizing the official announcement, the preliminary schedule suggests a non-stop run of cricket for the team all year long.
The year starts in January with England visiting for a series of four Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Then, from March to May, the spotlight turns to the 14th IPL, where a mega auction is expected to completely reshape the squads. June follows with a tour of Sri Lanka featuring five T20Is and three ODIs, concluding with India defending their Asia Cup title late in the month.
July will see India traveling to Zimbabwe for three ODIs, a series likely to be used for blooding new talent while the senior stars rest. Simultaneously, the team will embark on a major tour of England lasting until September to compete in a five-match Test series for the World Test Championship.
In October, India will take on South Africa in three ODIs and five T20Is to prepare for the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Hosting the tournament from October through November, India hopes to use their home advantage to claim their second title.
The momentum continues into November as India hosts New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests, wrapping up in mid-December. The year will finally close with a tour of South Africa, where India is scheduled to play three T20Is and three Test matches.