Since their last ODI series defeat on home soil against Australia in March 2019, the Indian cricket team has maintained an extraordinary unbeaten streak in bilateral ODI series at home, a record that stands as a testament to their dominance in the 50-over format. This remarkable fact highlights India’s formidable strength, strategic depth, and adaptability on familiar pitches, making them a near-invincible force in front of their passionate fans. As of August 23, 2025, this streak spans over six years and includes victories against formidable opponents like South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka, cementing India’s reputation as a cricketing powerhouse.
The Streak’s Beginnings and Key Moments
India’s last home ODI series loss came in March 2019, when Australia, led by Aaron Finch, staged a stunning comeback to win a five-match series 3-2 after trailing 0-2. The series, played across Hyderabad, Nagpur, Ranchi, Mohali, and Delhi, saw Australia capitalize on India’s batting collapses and fielding lapses, with Usman Khawaja and Adam Zampa emerging as key performers. That defeat served as a wake-up call for the Indian team, which was preparing for the 2019 World Cup under Virat Kohli’s leadership.Since then, India has played eight bilateral ODI series at home, winning all of them convincingly. The streak began with a 3-0 whitewash of West Indies in late 2019, followed by triumphs over Australia (2-1 in 2020), England (2-1 in 2021), West Indies (3-0 in 2022), South Africa (2-1 in 2022), Sri Lanka (3-0 in 2023), New Zealand (2-1 in 2023), and Australia again (2-1 in 2023). This run includes 17 wins out of 22 ODIs, with three losses in individual matches but no series defeat. The streak is particularly notable given the transition in leadership from Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma and the emergence of new stars like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan.
What Fuels India’s Home Dominance?
India’s unbeaten run in home ODI series can be attributed to several factors. First, their familiarity with home conditions—ranging from spin-friendly pitches in Chennai and Kolkata to pace-assisting tracks in Ahmedabad—allows the team to tailor their strategies effectively. Spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel have consistently outfoxed opposition batsmen, while pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have thrived with their ability to exploit early swing and reverse swing.
Second, India’s batting depth has been a cornerstone of their success. The top order, led by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, has delivered consistently, with Kohli’s 1,200+ runs in home ODIs since 2019 at an average above 60 being a standout statistic. The middle order, bolstered by players like KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, ensures India can recover from early setbacks, while finishers like Rishabh Pant add firepower in the death overs.
Third, the passionate home crowd plays a significant role. Stadiums like Wankhede, Eden Gardens, and Narendra Modi Stadium turn into fortresses, with fans creating an electrifying atmosphere that often intimidates visiting teams. As former captain MS Dhoni once said, “Playing in India feels like having a 12th man on the field.”
Standout Performances in the Streak
Several matches stand out in India’s unbeaten run. In January 2023, India chased down 349 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 166 leading the charge. In March 2021, India clinched a thrilling series against England in Pune, where Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 78 and Hardik Pandya’s all-round heroics sealed a 2-1 victory. The 2022 series against South Africa saw Ishan Kishan’s blistering 93 in Ranchi, helping India recover from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1. These performances highlight the team’s ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While India’s home record is formidable, it hasn’t been without challenges. Close encounters, like the one-run loss to Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2023, tested their resilience, but the team’s ability to bounce back in subsequent matches ensured series victories. The emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and the return of veterans like Shreyas Iyer add further depth as India prepares for upcoming challenges, including the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which India will host.
Looking ahead, India’s next home ODI series is expected in early 2026 against New Zealand, where they will aim to extend their streak. With the World Test Championship and other global events on the horizon, maintaining this dominance will be crucial for India’s aspirations in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
A Legacy of Invincibility
India’s unbeaten ODI series run at home since 2019 is a remarkable achievement that reflects their consistency, depth, and adaptability. It’s a record that has instilled fear in visiting teams and pride in Indian fans. As Rohit Sharma’s side continues to evolve, this streak serves as a reminder of India’s cricketing prowess and their ability to turn home grounds into fortresses. Whether it’s the spin wizardry of Kuldeep Yadav or the batting brilliance of Virat Kohli, India’s ODI juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down.