Reports: Team India to play non-stop cricket in 2021

Team India might have gone without action for nearly eight months in 2020 but 2021 is looking set to be a busy year for them. Just like other teams, India’s schedule was completely disrupted this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Virat Kohli & Co. have not played a game since March when the outbreak of the pandemic halted action around the world.

At the start of 2020, India welcomed Sri Lanka and Australia at home before flying to New Zealand for a full-fledged tour. The Men in Blue were then involved in an ODI series at home against South Africa when the action was halted. Since then the likes of England, West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Australia have returned to action.

India, on the other hand, would finally return to action this month with the ODI series against Australia. Most of the Indian players, however, returned to action in September with the IPL 2020. The team is currently in Australia for the ODI, T20I and the Test series.

A busy 2021 for Team India

The fans should gear up for a busy season next year as Team India are set to play non-stop cricket. According to a report published in Inside Sport, there is not even a single month in 2021 when the Indian cricket team will be not in action. Indian players will remain busy throughout the year with international assignments and the IPL.

The report states that India will play 14 Tests, 16 ODIs & 23 T20Is from January to December in 2021. In addition to that, the team will also take part in the Asia Cup (June) and the ICC T20 World Cup (October) at home next year.

“We understand it will be tough on the players but we are obligated to honour FTP commitments. We have a bigger pool of talent now and players. We’ll make sure players get ample rest before called in for India duties. Rotation policy will surely come into play,” one BCCI official quoted as saying by InsideSport.

Here is the schedule for Team India

Home series against England from January to March:

The Indian cricket team will start the year by hosting England for four Tests, four ODIs and four T20Is.

IPL 2021 from March to May

While this year’s IPL had to be postponed, the next edition is set to be played in its usual slot, that is from March to May.

Tour of Sri Lanka and Asia Cup:

Soon after IPL 2021 ends, the team will leave for Sri Lanka in June for the three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series. It will be followed by the Asia Cup in the Island nation.

Tour of Zimbabwe:

Post the Sri Lanka tour, India are scheduled to visit Zimbabwe for three ODIs.

Tour of England:

From July to September, Team India will be in England for a five-match Test series.

India to host South Africa in October:

After returning from England, India will be hosting South Africa for three ODIs and five T20Is.

ICC T20 World Cup:

The biggest tournament of the year will take place from October to November when India host the T20 World Cup.

Home series against New Zealand:

2021 home season will end with a home series against New Zealand. India will welcome the Kiwis for two Tests and three T20Is which will take place from November end to mid of December.

Tour of South Africa:

Towards the end of the year, India will embark on a tour of South Africa. They will play three Tests and as many T20Is against the Proteas.