The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the schedule on Thursday, with matches also set to be played in Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad as Australia attempt to defend the trophy they reclaimed with a 3-1 home victory in 2024/25.
The opening Test returns to Nagpur, where Australia endured a crushing innings defeat during their last tour in 2023 - a result that set the tone for another unsuccessful campaign on Indian soil. More broadly, Australia have not won a Test series in India since 2004/05, underlining the scale of the challenge awaiting Pat Cummins' side.
There is, however, a fresh look to the venue list. Traditional strongholds such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have been omitted, while Guwahati will host its first-ever Test involving Australia. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium has staged just one previous Test - India's heavy defeat to South Africa in 2025 - though Australia have enjoyed success there in T20 internationals.
Ahmedabad, which stages the final Test, offers more positive recent memories for the tourists, having been the venue for their victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. It is also one of only two grounds retained from the 2023 Test tour, alongside Nagpur.
The five-match series will run as follows:
1st Test: January 21–25 – Nagpur
2nd Test: January 29–February 2 – Chennai
3rd Test: February 11–15 – Guwahati
4th Test: February 19–23 – Ranchi
5th Test: February 27–March 3 – Ahmedabad
Australia captain Pat Cummins has voiced his concern about players in his country giving up national contracts in favour of chasing bigger financial incentives in T20 leagues.
Matt Renshaw feels the improvements he has made in his white-ball game can elevate his push for a recall to the Australia Test side.
Cricket Australia has ambitious plans for pink-ball tests in the future, despite reports that the day-night fixture may be scrapped.
India cemented their dominance in white-ball cricket by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to become the first men's side to win the T20 World Cup three times and the first to defend the title successfully.
