The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2026-27 is the premier bilateral Test cricket series between India and Australia, scheduled from 25 January to 1 March 2027. Following Australia’s dramatic 3-1 series victory on home soil in 2024-25, the rivalry returns to India for what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested Test series in world cricket.
What is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a Test cricket series played between India and Australia, named after two legends of the game: former Australia captain Allan Border and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar. Inaugurated in 1996, the trophy is awarded to the winner of each bilateral Test series between the two nations, regardless of the number of matches played.
The series has grown into one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries, sitting alongside The Ashes as one of the sport’s most anticipated fixtures. It combines the tactical complexity of Test cricket with an intensity of competition that few international series can match. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in modern cricket history, from the iconic Kolkata Test of 2001 to the dramatic series in Australia in 2020-21 where an injury-ravaged India secured a historic win at the Gabba.
When played in India, the series typically consists of four or five Tests across the country’s major cricket grounds, where spin-friendly conditions and passionate home support create a formidable challenge for visiting teams.
When is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The 2026-27 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled from 25 January to 1 March 2027. The series is expected to feature four or five Test matches spread across several weeks, with rest days between matches allowing teams to travel between venues.
- First Test: Late January 2027
- Second Test: Early February 2027
- Third Test: Mid-February 2027
- Fourth Test: Late February 2027
Exact dates for each individual Test will be confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) closer to the series. Each Test match is played over five days, with play starting in the morning local time.
Where is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The 2026-27 series is hosted by India, with matches expected to be played across the country’s premier cricket venues. India’s major Test grounds include the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad (the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity exceeding 130,000), the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Venue selections and the full schedule will be confirmed by the BCCI.
Playing conditions in India differ markedly from Australia. Pitches tend to deteriorate as matches progress, offering increasing turn for spin bowlers, while the heat and humidity present significant physical challenges for touring sides. These conditions have historically given India a substantial home advantage.
Key Contenders
India will be determined to reclaim the trophy on home soil after their disappointing 1-3 loss in Australia in 2024-25, a series that ended their decade-long hold on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Captain Rohit Sharma’s future in the longest format remains uncertain, which could see a new generation of Indian players step into leadership roles. Virat Kohli’s participation will also be closely watched, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant represent the next wave of Indian batting talent. India’s spin attack, likely spearheaded by Ravichandran Ashwin (should he reverse his retirement) or Ravindra Jadeja, will be central to the home team’s strategy.
Australia arrive as holders of the trophy and current World Test Championship contenders. Pat Cummins leads an experienced squad that includes Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head. Australia’s fast-bowling depth, featuring Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland, is world-class, though their ability to contain India’s batters on turning wickets will be the key question. Nathan Lyon’s off-spin will be crucial in Indian conditions.
How to Watch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Broadcast arrangements for the 2026-27 series will be confirmed by the BCCI closer to the start date. Based on recent series:
- India: Star Sports network and JioCinema/Hotstar for streaming
- Australia: Fox Cricket, Channel 7, and Kayo Sports
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
- Global: Willow TV (North America), SuperSport (Southern Africa), and various regional broadcasters
Fans worldwide should check local listings as broadcast rights are confirmed.
History and Records
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was first contested in 1996 during India’s tour of Australia. India won that inaugural series 1-0, with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid establishing themselves as dominant forces in the rivalry.
The series has produced some of cricket’s most iconic moments. The 2001 series in India is often cited as one of the greatest in Test history: Australia arrived on a record 16-match winning streak and won the first Test comprehensively, before VVS Laxman’s legendary 281 and Rahul Dravid’s 180 at Eden Gardens produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the sport’s history. Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick in the same match added to the drama, and India went on to win the series 2-1.
India’s 2020-21 triumph in Australia ranks among the finest away series victories in cricket. After being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and losing the first Test, India, led by Ajinkya Rahane after Kohli’s departure for paternity leave, fought back to win the series 2-1. The final Test victory at Brisbane’s Gabba, where a young Indian side featuring several debutants chased down 328, ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the venue.
Australia’s 3-1 victory in 2024-25 ended India’s 10-year grip on the trophy, with their pace attack proving too strong in home conditions. The series heading to India in 2027 sets up a compelling battle for supremacy between cricket’s two most competitive Test nations.
Overall, India hold a significant advantage in the trophy’s history, having won the series more frequently than Australia. When played in India, the home side’s record is particularly dominant, with spin conditions and raucous crowds proving a formidable combination.
Tickets and Attendance
Ticket information for the 2026-27 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be released by the BCCI and the respective state cricket associations hosting each Test match. Tickets for India home Tests are typically sold through official BCCI platforms and authorised ticketing partners such as BookMyShow.
India-Australia Tests routinely draw capacity crowds, particularly for the opening days and whenever the series is closely contested. Early registration and purchase is recommended, as demand consistently exceeds availability for this marquee series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a bilateral Test cricket series between India and Australia, named after former captains Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. First contested in 1996, it is one of the most prestigious rivalries in world cricket.
Who currently holds the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Australia hold the trophy after winning the 2024-25 series 3-1 in Australia, ending India’s decade-long reign as holders of the trophy.
How many Tests are in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The number of Tests varies between series. Recent editions have featured four or five Tests. The 2026-27 series format will be confirmed by the BCCI.
Where can I buy tickets for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Tickets are typically available through the BCCI’s official ticketing partners and state cricket associations. Details will be announced closer to the series start date.
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