By: Gameotics Editorial Team · Last updated: 15 Oct 2026 (IST)
Quick answer: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy returns to India in 2027, starting in Nagpur on 21 January according to the BCCI’s home-season fixtures. It’s India vs Australia in Tests, with the trophy, pride and crucial World Test Championship points at stake. Below are the dates, venues and IST timings, with anything unconfirmed in brackets.
Why Is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Always Big?
India vs Australia in Tests is the biggest rivalry of the modern era. Close finishes, famous comebacks, a few on-field arguments, and series that fans still talk about years later. Each series alternates between the two countries, and this time it’s India’s turn to host.
At home, India usually start as favourites, because Australian batters have to face quality spin on turning pitches. But Australia have shown they can compete in Asia, and their pace attack is in form. Josh Hazlewood just took a career-best 6-49 in a 214-run win in Durban (cricket.com.au), so their bowlers aren’t slowing down.
Full Schedule
| Test | Dates | Venue | Start time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | From 21 Jan 2027 | Nagpur | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | 29 Jan–2 Feb 2027 | Chennai | 9:30 AM |
| 3rd Test | 11–15 Feb 2027 | Guwahati | 9:30 AM |
| 4th Test | From 19 Feb 2027 | Ranchi | 9:30 AM |
| 5th Test | From 27 Feb 2027 | Ahmedabad | 9:30 AM |
The Storylines
- Spin vs Australia’s batting: how do Australia’s top order handle India’s spinners on turning pitches?
- India’s young batters: this could be a defining series for India’s next generation. Big runs against Australia make careers.
- Australia’s pace attack: reverse swing on dry Indian pitches can be just as dangerous as spin.
- WTC points: by January the table will be tight. Every result here could decide who reaches the final. Read more: Why the Wellington & Christchurch Tests Matter for the WTC Final Race.
How Will India Get Ready?
Before BGT, India tour New Zealand across three formats, which runs from 22 October to 1 December. The NZ Tests will test India’s batting in swing conditions, which is very different from what they’ll face at home in January. Selectors will use the domestic season, including the Ranji Trophy, to track form.
Tickets and Where to Watch
Ticketing and broadcast details for this series weren’t confirmed in the sources we checked. Buy tickets only through official channels.
Our Early Prediction
It’s months away and squads aren’t confirmed, so treat this as a vibe check, not a forecast. India at home are always hard to beat in Tests, but a strong Australian pace attack could make this one closer than people expect.
The Final Word
Mark 21 January in your calendar. We’ll turn this into a full hub with squads, venue guides and live coverage as the series gets closer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does BGT 2027 start?
On 21 January 2027 in Nagpur, per the BCCI’s home-season fixtures.
How many Tests are in BGT 2027?
Five, according to the BCCI’s 2026-27 home schedule: Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.
Who holds the Border-Gavaskar Trophy right now?
Australia. They won the 2024-25 series 3-1, sealing it in Sydney in January 2025.
Will the series count for the WTC?
Yes. BGT Tests count towards the World Test Championship.
Sources
- BCCI home season 2026-27 fixtures: scores-bcci.epicon.in
- cricket.com.au, Durban Test report: cricket.com.au
- Sportstar, BGT 2026-27 schedule (BCCI): sportstar.thehindu.com
- BBC Sport, Australia win 2024-25 BGT 3-1: bbc.co.uk
About the Author
Gameotics Editorial Team covers cricket, esports and gaming for Indian fans.
Last updated: 15 Oct 2026 (IST).
