Cricket fever is set to reach a crescendo as India prepares to host New Zealand for a high-octane white-ball series in January 2026. This tour, consisting of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), serves as a crucial primer for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place just weeks later in India and Sri Lanka.
With senior stalwarts returning to the fold and fresh talents aiming to cement their spots, the India vs New Zealand 2026 series is more than just a bilateral contest—it is a tactical laboratory for the upcoming world event.
India vs New Zealand 2026 Match Schedule
The series will span 20 days, covering eight different venues across India. The tour kicks off with the 50-over format, followed by a marathon five-match T20I series. Notably, this tour brings international cricket back to Vadodara after a 15-year hiatus.
ODI Series Schedule (Day/Night Matches)
All ODI matches are scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jan 11, 2026 | 1st ODI | BCA International Cricket Stadium, Vadodara |
| Jan 14, 2026 | 2nd ODI | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot |
| Jan 18, 2026 | 3rd ODI | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
T20I Series Schedule (Evening Matches)
The T20I leg starts at 7:00 PM IST, providing the perfect primetime slot for fans.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jan 21, 2026 | 1st T20I | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
| Jan 23, 2026 | 2nd T20I | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur |
| Jan 25, 2026 | 3rd T20I | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| Jan 28, 2026 | 4th T20I | Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| Jan 31, 2026 | 5th T20I | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and Telecast
For fans looking to catch every boundary and wicket, the broadcasting rights in India are held by major networks.
- TV Channels (India): The series will be telecast live on Sports18 and DD Sports (for DD Free Dish users).
- Live Streaming: Fans can stream the matches for free (on mobile devices) via the JioCinema app and website.
- International Viewers: New Zealand fans can follow the action on Sky Sport NZ, while viewers in the UK and USA can tune into Sky Sports and Willow TV, respectively.
Team India Squad for NZ Series 2026
The BCCI has adopted a dual-captaincy approach for this series to manage the transition and workload of senior players. Shubman Gill returns to lead the ODI side, while Suryakumar Yadav continues his reign as the T20I captain.
India ODI Squad
The ODI squad sees the return of legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing India’s desire for experience in the 50-over format.
Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC – subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India T20I Squad
With the T20 World Cup 2026 looming, the T20I squad focuses on explosive power and variety in the bowling department.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
New Zealand Squad for India Tour 2026
The Blackcaps have named a balanced squad for the subcontinental conditions. While Kane Williamson is rested for the limited-overs leg to manage his longevity, the team remains formidable.
- ODI Captain: Michael Bracewell
- T20I Captain: Mitchell Santner
Key Players to Watch:
- Devon Conway: His proficiency against spin makes him the anchor for the Kiwi batting lineup.
- Glenn Phillips: A dynamic multi-dimensional player who can change the game with bat, ball, or in the field.
- Kyle Jamieson: Returning from injury, his bounce on Indian tracks will be a unique challenge for Indian openers.
Key Talking Points: What to Expect?
1. The Road to the T20 World Cup 2026
The five T20Is serve as the final dress rehearsal. India, the defending champions (from 2024), will use this series to finalize their middle-order combinations and death-bowling options.
2. The Return to Vadodara
The city of Vadodara hosts its first men’s international match in 15 years. The excitement in Gujarat is palpable, as the new Kotambi Stadium makes its international debut.
3. Workload Management
Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are being carefully managed. While they are included in the T20I squad, they are expected to be rested for the ODI leg to ensure they are at peak fitness for the World Cup starting in February.
4. New Talent Spotlight
Keep an eye on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. Both have impressed in the domestic circuit and the IPL, and this series could be their ticket to becoming regular fixtures in the national team.
Tickets and Venue Information
Tickets for the India vs New Zealand series are available online via BookMyShow and District by Zomato. Prices are expected to range from ₹800 to ₹7,500, depending on the venue and stand category. Physical ticket counters at the stadiums will open 3–4 days before each match day.
Conclusion
The India vs New Zealand 2026 series promises to be a thrilling start to the cricketing year. With high-stakes matches across historic and modern venues, fans are in for a treat. Whether it’s the masterclass of Kohli and Rohit or the innovative hitting of Surya, the “Men in Blue” vs “Blackcaps” rivalry is set to ignite once again.
