Chennai, Kanpur announced as host cities for India's home Tests against Bangladesh

India captain Rohit Sharma reacts after dismissal (Pic: AFP)

Team India's cricketing calendar for the upcoming season promises a thrilling lineup of matches, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters across various formats.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has meticulously outlined the team itinerary, spanning from September 19 to February 12, encompassing both domestic and international fixtures.

The centerpiece of India's campaign is the World Test Championship (WTC), with the team slated to participate in five crucial home Tests before embarking on a monumental five-match series against Australia Down Under. Commencing the action-packed schedule are two Tests against Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Chennai as well as Kanpur, following which, the spotlight shifts to a riveting three-match Test series against New Zealand, with matches set to unfold in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.

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Beyond the Test arena, India's fixture list brims with excitement across the limited-overs formats. The BCCI has confirmed a total of eight T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on home soil. Against Bangladesh, India will engage in a three-match T20I series, promising fierce competition under stadium floodlights. Subsequently, the focus turns to a high-octane clash with England, featuring a robust lineup of five T20Is and three ODIs from January 22 to February 12, marking the culmination of the home season.

The conclusion of the ODI series against England is poised to signal the end of India's domestic cricketing calendar, as attention then turns towards the prestigious Champions Trophy. Notably, discussions suggest the tournament may adopt a Hybrid Model, an innovation that reflects evolving global cricketing dynamics. Amidst these developments, speculation surrounds the Indian team's potential participation in Pakistan, with indications suggesting a nuanced decision led by team captain Rohit Sharma.

Reflecting on the broader context, Team India home season schedule commences on September 19 in Chennai, with subsequent engagements unfolding in Kanpur from September 27 onwards. These early fixtures not only set the tone for the season but also serve as a crucial platform for the team to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their gameplay ahead of more arduous challenges. The three T20Is will be played in Dharamsala (Oct 6), Delhi (October 9) and Hyderabad (October 12).

The New Zealand series starts with opening Test in Bengaluru (October 16-20) followed by games in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (Nov 1-5). With India going on a seven-week marathon tour of Australia, the five-match T20I series against England starts in Chennai on January 22. It will be followed by matches in Kolkata (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31), Mumbai (Feb 2). The three ODIs will be held in Nagpur (Feb 6), Cuttack (Feb 9) and Ahmedabad (Feb 12).

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Team India home season schedule

Bangladesh

1st Test: Chennai (Sept 19-23)

2nd Test: Kanpur (September 27-Oct 1)

1st T20I: Dharamsala (Oct 6)

2nd T20I: Delhi (Oct 9)

3rd T20I: Hyderabad (Oct 12)

New Zealand

1st Test: Bengaluru (Oct 16-20)

2nd Test: Pune (Oct 24-28)

3rd Test: Mumbai (Nov 1-5)

England

1st T20I: Chennai (Jan 22)

2nd T20I: Kolkata (Jan 25)

3rd T20I: Rajkot (Jan 28)

4th T20I: Pune (Jan 31)

5th T20I: Mumbai (Feb 2).

1st ODI: Nagpur (Feb 6)

2nd ODI: Cuttack (Feb 9)

3rd ODI: Ahmedabad (Feb 12)

(With agency inputs)