India Next Test Series: WTC 2025–27 Schedule & Upcoming Matches

Following a thrilling 2–2 draw in England (June–August 2025), India enters the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle with a packed lineup: West Indies and South Africa at home, followed by away assignments against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and culminating in a Border‑Gavaskar series vs Australia in early 2027.

India vs England: Close Call & WTC Initiation

India kicked off the WTC 2025–27 with a dramatic five-Test tour of England, spearheaded by newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, earning a commendable 2–2 series draw away. After early setbacks, Gill’s leadership and batting brilliance—754 runs in five Tests including multiple tons—helped reclaim momentum with a nerve‑jangling 6‑run victory at The Oval. That final win prevented England from sealing the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy and positioned India well in the WTC table.

A notable highlight was Mohammed Siraj’s pace bowling, earning praise from Morne Morkel as a “natural leader” for his spirited contributions and leadership potential. Despite injuries (e.g. Jasprit Bumrah), India rotated tactfully, including bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the final Test

Upcoming India Test Series in 2025–27 WTC Cycle

India’s WTC fixtures consist of six series—three home and three away:

Away: England (5 Tests)
Home: West Indies (2 Tests), South Africa (2 Tests)
Away: Sri Lanka (2), New Zealand (2)
Home: Australia (5 Tests) – Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Despite back-to-back tours, BCCI has sought to balance preparation and rotation to mitigate injury fatigue and compressed schedules.

India vs West Indies: October 2025 Home Tests 🏏

India begins their home campaign with a two-Test series vs West Indies:

1st Test: Ahmedabad (2–6 October 2025)
2nd Test: Delhi (10–14 October 2025)

These matches carry traditional Test significance and are expected to rely on India’s spin-friendly home strengths, offering a platform to solidify early momentum.

India vs South Africa: The Freedom Trophy – November 2025

The next challenge is the Freedom Trophy:

1st Test: Eden Gardens, Kolkata (14–18 Nov)
2nd Test: Guwahati (22–26 Nov)

India expects high quality spin and pace battles, with South Africa touring India for a full format series for the first time in several years.

2026 Away Campaign: Sri Lanka & New Zealand

Post home assignments, the schedule shifts abroad:

Sri Lanka: Two-Test series (August 2026)
New Zealand: Two-Test series (Oct–Nov 2026)

These tours test India’s bench strength in unfamiliar conditions and are critical in earning crucial away points in WTC standings.

Grand Finale: India vs Australia – Border‑Gavaskar Trophy Jan–Feb 2027

India closes the cycle with a five-Test series against Australia at home starting January 2027. This marquee assignment doubles as both the WTC final opportunity and the Ellie‑Border–Gavaskar Trophy rematch.

Key Players, Captains & Emerging Stars

Leadership Transition

With Shubman Gill leading India for the first time in Tests, and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, Indian cricket is passing the baton to the next generation. Gill’s success in England has earned plaudits and reinforced his appointment as a sign of renewed direction .

Emerging Talent & Team Depth

New selections like Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur and Arshdeep Singh offer fresh pace and batting options in unfamiliar conditions.
Mohammed Siraj’s leadership emergence continues under Morkel’s praise, hinting at future responsibilities .

Scheduling & Player Fitness

The compressed calendar has drawn criticism: The Oval Test finished swiftly to accommodate The Hundred, resulting in fatigue, injuries and reduced star availability like Bumrah, Ben Stokes, and Archer .

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FAQs

Q1: Who captained India during the England Test Series in 2025?
A: Shubman Gill led the side, marking his debut as Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.

Q2: What Test series are next for India in late 2025?
A: India hosts West Indies (Oct 2–14) and South Africa (Nov 14–26) for two-Test home series, part of WTC 2025–27 .

Q3: Why was India’s series in England considered dramatic?
A: India drew the five-Test series 2–2, sealing a tense six-run win at the Oval. Edge-of-the-seat cricket, rotation due to injuries and a lead change underscored Gill’s leadership and team depth (mint).

Q4: When does India face Australia in the WTC cycle?
A: The five-Test Border‑Gavaskar Trophy matches begin in January 2027 as the concluding fixture of India’s WTC cycle

Q5: What challenges does the busy schedule pose for players?
A: Tight turnarounds have led to injuries, fitness concerns and player fatigue—highlighted during the England series and criticized by cricketing voices for undermining Test cricket integrity

Conclusion

India’s Test calendar for the 2025–27 WTC cycle is ambitious and decisive. Following a credited England draw, India returns home with two high-stakes Test series, then transitions to challenging away tours before culminating in the Australia clash at home. With Shubman Gill’s ascension, emerging talents, and rotation-led bench depth, India charts a bold path. However, schedule congestion and player burnout remain concerns. This cycle will test India’s adaptability, leadership succession, and hunger to capture their first WTC title.