2017 was a great year for team India to remember as they ended on a winning note. They did not lose any of their bilateral series in the last year with a winning percentage of 70, team India won 37 matches out of 53 matches they played last year.
After a year of dreams, The men in blue have a heavy cycle ahead of their new year. Team Circle Of Circle takes a look at the Indian team schedule for 2018.
India tour of South Africa: January 5 to February 24
After playing a majority of cricket at home, team India will be heading towards Proteas for three tests, six ODIs and Three T20s. The tour will get underway from January 5, 2018, with India playing their first test in Newlands, Capetown. This is going to be the most foreseen series of the year because India last travel abroad was in 2015 at Sydney. This is going to be interesting to see Virat Kohli and company perform on such an unfamiliar ground.
Here is the schedule for South Africa tour
Tri-series in Sri Lanka for the Nidahas Trophy in March 2018
After playing a couple of months in South Africa, India will be heading out to play a tri-series against Bangladesh and the host Sri Lanka to note the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence. As per Sri Lanka cricket board the series is all set to start from 8th March with all the seven matches being played on the same ground Colombo Cricket Ground with final to be played on March 20.
India tour of England in July-September
It is said to be believed that some players would travel to play English County to get familiar with the grounds and pitch atmosphere ahead of India's tour of England that would be kicking from July 3. India will be playing three T20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and at last five test matches ending in September. This series is going to be tough for team India as their previous record has a poor form in the United Kingdom.
Here is the full Schedule of England tour
Asia Cup in September
Just shortly after England's tour India the host will be playing the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the winner of Asia Cup qualifier. The tournament is going to start from September 15 with final to be played on 30th of the same month. The matches will be telecast on Star Sports.
West Indies tour of India in October- November
According to ICC's FTP, India are scheduled to host West Indies in three Tests, five ODIs and one T20I in October but there is no confirmation about the series till date.
India tour of Australia in November 2018 to February 2019
Coming towards the end of the year, India will be moving to Aussies soil to play at least four test matches. Since Australia has some other schedule lined up before, Cricket Australia is not sure on how many test matches they are going to play with the men in blue and their participation in limited overs game. The series will be a treat to watch for all the cricket fans and lovers in the world.
Apart from the International schedule, Indian players are also going to play the Indian Premier League which is also an important tournament that will take place from 4th April until 31st may 2018. The tournament will feature 60 matches throughout the league. 2018 IPL will also see Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals coming back into the fray after serving a suspension for two years.
