The Indian cricket team is likely to play only one warm-up match before the T20 World Cup 2026, with South Africa emerging as the likely opponent. According to reports, the match is tentatively scheduled for February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India's first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 is on February 7 against the USA.

Following the conclusion of the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand on January 31, the Indian squad will take a brief break before reassembling in Mumbai on February 3 to begin preparations for the T20 World Cup.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to release the complete warm-up schedule soon. The delay in the announcement was due to uncertainty regarding Bangladesh's participation, who have since been replaced by Scotland.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have had discussions about the fixture, neither board has made an official statement pending confirmation from the ICC.

India will compete in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2026 alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United States, and Namibia. South Africa is placed in Group D with Canada, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates, and are set to begin their campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad.

The warm-up match will provide an opportunity for the team management to assess player fitness, test different combinations, and fine-tune strategies ahead of their opening World Cup clash.

Selectors are considering backup options due to injury concerns with Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Washington Sundar's recovery from a side strain is taking longer than expected. Tilak Varma's recovery is progressing well. Riyan Parag is also being prepared as a potential option, recovering from a shoulder injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The selectors named Ravi Bishnoi as Washington Sundar's replacement for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, and Shreyas Iyer replaced Tilak Varma for the first three T20Is.

According to a BCCI source, the team management is confident that Tilak Varma will be in prime shape by the second match on February 12, and the selectors want the team to settle down by the match against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.

Another possibility being considered by the BCCI is an intra-squad game featuring India 'A' players. If the warm-up game takes place, it is likely to be held at the Brabourne Stadium.