Mumbai: Team India finished the 2017 season without losing a bilateral series. Virat Kohli and co registered 37 wins across formats. While India dominated Sri Lanka – in the home and away series – the team won against Australia in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, sailed past New Zealand and emerged runners-up in ICC Champions Trophy in England.
While the team has won accolades and raised hopes of the Indian cricket team fans, the next 18 months where Virat and co will travel to South Africa, England and Australia, will determine whether this is one of the greatest Indian sides to have ever taken the field.
And as the gruelling South Africa series kicks off, here’s a look at the Team India’s 2018 schedule.
South Africa tour:
The first real test for India in the current year will be the tour of South Africa that will commence at the Newlands in Cape Town on January 5. The visiting side will be travelling the African nation over the next month and a half, where Virat Kohli and co. will play three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is against a formidable South Africa.
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
Nidahas Trophy 2018:
After the tough African tour, Team India’s next assignment will be a tri-nation series which will also feature hosts Sri Lanka and Bangladesh being the third team. The series, which will be called Nidahas Trophy 2018, will be played in celebration of Sri Lanka's 70th year of independence, which co-incidentally happens to be Sri Lanka Cricket's 70th year as well. The tournament will commence on March 8 and be played till March 20. The tournament will have seven T20Is, and will be played in Colombo at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Indian Premier League:
The 11th edition of the tournament will see the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who will be back after being suspended for two years. This years IPL auction will take place on January 27 and 28. The tournament will commence in the first week of April and will come to an end in the last week of May.
India’s tour of England:
The last time India were in England they failed to defend their ICC Champions Trophy title after losing to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. Virat Kohli and co will look to do well in the English conditions as they take on the hosts in a series which consists of three-T20I followed by three ODIs and five Tests that will go on till September 11.
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
(Photo: Screengrab / BCCI)
Asia Cup 2018:
After returning from England, Kohli and his men will play 2018 Asia Cup. The other teams to take part in the tournament are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The sixth team to feature in the tournament will be winners of 2018 Asia Cup Qualifier.
In the current scenario India may not host the tournament due to trouble between both the countries. The sporting ties between the two countries are frozen due to strained international relations. With uncertainty looming reports have emerged that Bangladesh could get the nod to host the tournament.
India’s tour of Australia:
India will end the year, with a tour Downunder. While India are expected to play four or more Tests, the homeboard – Cricket Australia – are yet to announce the dates of the series.
