The year 2021 is going to be a hectic one for Virat Kohli and company.
According to a report published in InsideSport, there is not even a single month in 2021 when the Indian cricket team will be able to rest. They will be continuously engaged either with international assignments or the Indian Premier League (IPL).
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The report says that India will play 14 Tests, 16 ODIs & 23 T20Is from January to December in 2021 apart from the Asia Cup T20 (June), ICC World Cup (October) and IPL 2021.
“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 will 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.
India to host England from January to March
The Indian cricket team will start the year by hosting England for two-month-long series which will consist of four Tests, four ODIs and four T20Is.
IPL 2021 from March to May
After playing England, Indian players will begin their preparations for IPL 2021, which is slated to take place from March end to mid of May.
India to tour Sri Lanka for limited-overs series and Asia Cup 2021
India will travel to Sri Lanka in June for three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series. Subsequently, they will be busy defending their Asia Cup title in the Island nation, which will stage Asia Cup 2021 till mid July.
India will fly to Zimbabwe in July
Post the Sri Lanka tour, India are scheduled to visit Zimbabwe for three ODIs and senior players are likely to be rested for this assignment.
India to tour England from July to September
Later in July, Team India will travel to England for a five-match Test series which will be completed in the span of two months.
India to host South Africa in October
The month of October will see India hosting South Africa for three ODIs and five T20Is, which is being seen as preparatory series for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
ICC T20 World Cup
The Men in Blue then will be seen in action at the T20 World Cup, which is slated to be held in India from October to November.
India to host New Zealand from November to December
After playing T20 World Cup on home soil, India will welcome New Zealand for two Tests and three T20Is which will take place from November end to mid of December.
India will travel to South Africa in December
At the end of the year, India will embark on the tour of South Africa, where they will play three Tests and as many T20Is.