Archive · 4 Sep 2026
India Seeks South Africa ODI Series Before 2027 World Cup
India wants to play several one-day cricket matches in South Africa before the 2027 World Cup.
The team believes this would help players understand the local pitches and conditions.
Captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly asked for the series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is discussing the idea with Cricket South Africa.
The series could include four to six matches.
South Africa will host most of the 2027 World Cup games.
India has not had a winning record in its previous ODIs there.
The extra matches could help India practice and feel more confident before the tournament.
India is exploring a four-to-six-match ODI series in South Africa before the 2027 World Cup.
The request reportedly came from captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has held talks with Cricket South Africa.
The series would help India adapt to South African conditions and refine its preparations.
India has won 24 of 59 ODIs in South Africa, losing 31, with three no-results and one tie.
- Who
- The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket South Africa involved in discussions.
- What
- India is seeking a four-to-six-match ODI series in South Africa before the 2027 World Cup.
- When
- Before the 2027 World Cup; the specific dates have not been finalized.
- Where
- South Africa.
- Why
- To give India exposure to the conditions where most of the 2027 World Cup matches will be played and to improve its preparations.
- Proposed series
- Four to six ODIs
- Tournament
- 2027 World Cup
- Host locations
- Eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia are scheduled to host matches
- India’s ODI record in South Africa
- 24 wins, 31 losses, three no-results and one tie in 59 matches
- Reported request
- The request came from the Indian team management led by Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir
- Status
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India has held talks with Cricket South Africa, but no agreement has been finalized