The Border-Gavaskar Trophy returns to India in January 2027 as a five-Test series: Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad, spread across six weeks from 21 January. The last time Australia played a Test series in India, in 2023, it was four matches, so this series is one Test longer.
Every Test starts early in the Indian morning (9:00 or 9:30 AM IST), which makes it the easiest Test series to follow for Indian fans. Squads have not been announced yet. This guide covers the schedule, the five grounds and how to approach a five-Test series in fantasy, and it will be updated when the teams are named.
Five Tests, 21 January to 3 March
The five grounds
- Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur (1st Test): a ground with a history of low, slow pitches that take turn early.
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (2nd Test): the Chepauk pitch has a long record as a spinner's ground, with reverse swing for quick bowlers late.
- Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (3rd Test): a ground with little Test history, so read the pitch report on the match page before you finalise your picks.
- JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi (4th Test): a ground that has hosted Tests before, so look at how spinners and seamers have fared there.
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (5th Test): the biggest ground in the world, where the pitch can assist seam on day one and spin later.
Fantasy approach for a five-Test series
- Spin dominates in India. The spinners who will bowl the most overs are the most valuable picks across every Test, and they are often the best captains too.
- Allrounders who bat at six or seven and bowl spin give you points in both innings. They are the best differentials.
- Top-order batters who can score in the first innings are valuable, because the pitch gets harder to bat on by day three.
- Rotate across the series. With five Tests, a player's workload can change from match to match. Check the confirmed XI each time.
- Plan around the gaps. The time between Tests is between eight and thirteen days, which gives selectors time to rest players and change the line-up.
Test teams are named on the morning of the match, about 30 minutes before the toss. At a 9:30 AM IST start, that is 9:00 AM. Lock your XI after the team sheets appear on the match page.
What to expect
India are very strong at home, and Australia's main challenge is surviving the spin on days three and four. The series is likely to be decided by how Australia's batters handle turn and how India's batters handle Australia's pace in the first session of each Test. Use Predictor to back your call before each match.
Play free on CricketDream
Every CricketDream game is free, with no entry fee and no prize pool. Pick 11 players within the credit budget, choose a captain (2x points) and vice-captain (1.5x points), and your score updates live through the match.
Open the 1st Test match page, India vs Australia in Nagpur.
Open match pageFrequently asked questions
When does the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 start?
The first Test starts on 21 January 2027 in Nagpur. The fifth and last Test starts on 27 February in Ahmedabad.
How many Tests are there?
Five: Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.
What time do the Tests start in India?
Day one starts at 9:30 AM IST for Nagpur, Chennai, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The Guwahati Test starts at 9:00 AM IST.
Are there any ODIs or T20Is?
No. The tour in this schedule is five Tests.
Have the squads been announced?
Not yet. We update this guide when squads for both teams are named.
Is CricketDream fantasy free to play?
Yes. Fantasy XI, Draft, Multi-Draft, Predictor, Cricket Quiz and CricketQuest are all completely free, with no entry fees and no cash prizes. You can play the series for fun and bragging rights with friends.
Where can I follow the live score?
CricketDream is not a broadcaster. Check your local rights holder for the live stream, and use each CricketDream match page for the live score, confirmed playing XIs and your fantasy points as they update.