Defending champions India are expected to play a crucial warm-up game against South Africa ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This practice match is tentatively scheduled for February 4 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and will be India's final preparation before beginning their title defence at the marquee event.
India will wrap up their ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand with the final game on January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram, before regrouping in Mumbai for World Cup preparations on February 3. The co-host team's World Cup campaign is set to take off on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium, where India will face the United States in their opening match.
The clash with South Africa is likely to be India's only warm-up fixture ahead of the tournament, giving Suryakumar Yadav's men a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and assess form against quality opposition. According to Cricbuzz, the plan remains in place barring any last-minute changes arising from scheduling disruptions, such as Bangladesh's exit from the competition and Scotland's inclusion.
