Team India's complete cricketing schedule for 2021

The cricket fans did not have the best of times in 2020 as the entire world came to a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the wake of the outbreak, cricket was suspended in March and for nearly six months, there was no action around the world. International cricket finally resumed in July when England welcomed West Indies and since then, the game has slowly but steadily returned towards normalcy.

Some venues have allowed the fans to attend the games in stadiums but the game is yet to return to complete normalcy as the world is still fighting the dreaded virus. As far as Indian cricket is concerned, it got underway in September when the Indian Premier League (IPL) took place. The tournament was held in the UAE because of the pandemic situation in India and was a big hit.

Following the conclusion of the IPL, Team India flew to Australia and played their first match on November 27. Prior to that, India’s last game was in early March. India are still in Australia and are currently engaged in the four-match Test series. But unlike 2020, the year 2021 is going to be a busy year for the team and the fans should gear up for a memorable year.

Team India are set for some big assignments in 2021 which will start with the third Test against Australia in Sydney. The team is scheduled to take on England in the new year in addition to playing marquee tournaments like the T20 World Cup 2021, and the Asia Cup 2021. The BCCI is yet to release the schedule but according to InsideSport, Virat Kohli & Co. are set to play 16 ODIs, 23 T20Is, and 14 Tests from January to December 2021, which does not include the matches in Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

So as 2021 knocks at the doors, here is a look at Team India’s schedule for 2021:

Australia vs India – January

The new year will start with the ongoing Test series in Australia. Team India’s first assignment of 2021 will be the third Test at the SCG. The fourth and final Test will be played in Brisbane from January 15. It will also bring an end to India’s long tour of Australia.

England tour of India – February to March

The tour of Australia will be followed by the home series against England. India have not played a game at home since the ODI series against Australia in January this year. England will visit the country for a full-fledged series consisting of four Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

IPL 2021 – April to May

While IPL 2020 had to be played in UAE because of the pandemic, the forthcoming edition is set to be played at home between April and May.

India tour of Sri Lanka and Asia Cup (June-July)

After the IPL, India will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series and five T20Is. India will extend their stay in Sri Lanka to take part in the Asia Cup where they will be defending their title.

India’s tour of Zimbabwe (July)

After the Sri Lanka tour, Team India will fly to Zimbabwe for a limited-overs series. The tour was originally scheduled to happen in 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19.

India’s tour of England (August to September)

After the tour of Zimbabwe, India will fly to the UK for the blockbuster series against England. India will play five Tests against England in August. The series will kickstart both the team’s campaign in the next ICC World Test Championship.

South Africa tour of India (October)

After the tour of England, India will return home and will host South Africa in the month of October ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

ICC T20 World Cup 2021

The biggest event of the next year will be the T20 World Cup and will be held in India. The Men in Blue will be desperate to lay their hands on the trophy. They have not won the title since its inaugural edition in 2007.

New Zealand tour of India (November-December)

After the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli & Co. will host New Zealand for two Tests and three T20Is in November-December.

India tour of South Africa (December)

Following the conclusion of the home series with the series against New Zealand, Team India will end the year with a tour of South Africa in December. They will play three Tests and as many T20Is against the Proteas.