The New Zealand Tour of India 2026 kicks off an exciting chapter in international cricket. With 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is lined up from January 11 to 31, this series promises high-stakes action. India, the defending T20 World Cup champions, will use these matches to sharpen their skills on home soil. New Zealand, despite injury woes, aims to challenge the hosts and gain valuable experience ahead of the global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
This tour isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s a test of adaptability in subcontinental conditions. For India, it’s a chance to blend experience with youth. Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return for ODIs, while Suryakumar Yadav leads a dynamic T20I side. New Zealand faces an uphill battle in ODIs without stars like Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner, but their T20I squad looks more competitive.
Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing. Can New Zealand pull off surprises? Or will India’s home dominance prevail? Let’s dive deep into this comprehensive preview.
New Zealand Tour of India 2026: Full Schedule and Match Timings
Cricket enthusiasts, mark your calendars. The New Zealand Tour of India 2026 spans three weeks of white-ball cricket. It starts with ODIs in western and central India, then shifts to T20Is across various venues. Each match offers unique challenges, from day games favoring big totals to night encounters influenced by dew.
The series begins on January 11 in Vadodara for the first ODI. This sets the tone for a bilateral clash that’s always competitive. India has historically edged New Zealand in home series, but the Kiwis have shown resilience.
Here’s the full schedule in tabular form for easy reference:
ODI Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | GMT Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sunday, January 11, 2026 | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara | 1:30 PM | 08:00 |
| 2nd ODI | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot | 1:30 PM | 08:00 |
| 3rd ODI | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 1:30 PM | 08:00 |
The first ODI in Vadodara could see a batting-friendly pitch. This venue has hosted limited internationals, but past games suggest scores around 290-300 are par. Teams might opt to bat first in this day game to avoid any late-afternoon shadows affecting play.
Moving to Rajkot for the second ODI. Known for flat tracks and short boundaries, expect fireworks. India chased down 418 here once – a record that highlights its batting paradise nature. New Zealand’s bowlers will need early wickets to contain India’s top order.
The ODI leg wraps in Indore. Holkar Stadium is notorious for high scores, with averages over 330 in first innings. It’s a belter where spinners might find grip later. This could be decisive if the series is tied.
T20I Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | GMT Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 7:00 PM | 13:30 |
| 2nd T20I | Friday, January 23, 2026 | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur | 7:00 PM | 13:30 |
| 3rd T20I | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 7:00 PM | 13:30 |
| 4th T20I | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM | 13:30 |
| 5th T20I | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram | 7:00 PM | 13:30 |
T20Is start in Nagpur, a balanced venue. Pacers get early help, but spinners dominate the middle overs. Average scores hover around 170, making it a tactical battle.
Raipur’s second T20I introduces a newer ground. Good bounce suits aggressive batting, with scores around 165 common. It’s a chance for both teams to experiment.
Guwahati’s Barsapara is a run-fest waiting to happen. Small boundaries and flat pitches push averages to 190. Dew will play a big role here under lights.
Visakhapatnam offers spin-friendly conditions in the second half. Sea breeze aids swing, and scores around 165 are defendable.
The series ends in Thiruvananthapuram. Short boundaries and excellent surfaces mean 180+ totals. Heavy dew often favors chasers.
Toss happens 30 minutes before each start. In ODIs, batting first is key. For T20Is, captains might bowl first due to dew.
This schedule builds excitement progressively. From ODI grind to T20I frenzy, it’s a treat for fans.
Venue Guide: Pitch Reports, Stats, Dew Factor, and Weather Forecast for India vs New Zealand 2026
Venues shape cricket outcomes. In the New Zealand Tour of India 2026, eight diverse grounds host the action. Each has its quirks – from flat tracks to dew-heavy evenings. Understanding these helps predict match flows.
January weather in India is mild, with clear skies dominating. Northern venues like Nagpur might see cooler temps (12-25°C), while southern spots like Thiruvananthapuram are warmer (20-30°C). Rain chances are low, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Let’s break down each venue.
BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara (1st ODI)
This ground in Gujarat hosts limited internationals. Capacity: around 20,000. It’s known for true pitches with good carry.
Pitch: Flat, favors stroke-makers. Early bounce helps pacers, but it eases for batting.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~290. Highest: 348/7 (India). Chasing teams win 60% here.
Dew Factor: Minimal, as it’s a day game.
Weather: Clear, 18-28°C. No rain expected.
Toss Impact: Bat first to post big.
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot (2nd ODI)
Rajkot’s modern venue seats 28,000. It’s a batsman’s delight with small boundaries.
Pitch: Extremely flat, minimal help for bowlers. High-scoring affairs common.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~320. Highest: 418/5 (India vs Australia). Teams batting first win often.
Dew Factor: Low in day format.
Weather: Sunny, 20-30°C.
Toss Impact: Bat first, exploit the pitch.
Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore (3rd ODI)
Indore’s compact ground holds 30,000. Famous for mammoth totals.
Pitch: Belter with even bounce. Spinners get turn later.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~330. Highest: 392/4 (India). Chases succeed 50%.
Dew Factor: Negligible.
Weather: Pleasant, 15-25°C.
Toss Impact: Bat first for psychological edge.
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur (1st T20I)
Nagpur’s large venue seats 45,000. Balanced for T20s.
Pitch: Good pace early, turns as game progresses.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~170. Highest: 240/3 (India). Defending teams win 55%.
Dew Factor: Moderate; affects second innings.
Weather: Cool evenings, 12-22°C.
Toss Impact: Bowl first if dew heavy.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur (2nd T20I)
Raipur’s emerging ground, capacity 65,000. Decent for batting.
Pitch: Pace and bounce, suits all-round play.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~165. Highest: 213/5.
Dew Factor: Moderate.
Weather: Mild, 15-25°C.
Toss Impact: Chase preferred.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (3rd T20I)
Guwahati’s northeastern venue seats 40,000. High-scoring due to size.
Pitch: Flat, short boundaries.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~190. Highest: 237/3 (India).
Dew Factor: Significant; chasers favored.
Weather: 10-23°C, possible fog early.
Toss Impact: Bowl first.
ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam (4th T20I)
Vizag’s coastal ground holds 27,000. Spin-friendly.
Pitch: Balanced, assists spinners later.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~165. Highest: 209/8.
Dew Factor: High, due to humidity.
Weather: 20-28°C, breezy.
Toss Impact: Chase.
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (5th T20I)
Kerala’s scenic venue seats 55,000. Batting paradise.
Pitch: Excellent, short sides.
Stats: Average 1st innings: ~180. Highest: 225/7.
Dew Factor: Very high.
Weather: Warm, 22-30°C.
Toss Impact: Bowl first.
Here’s a summary table:
| Venue | Format | Avg 1st Inn Score | Dew Impact | Toss Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vadodara | ODI | 290 | Minimal | Bat first |
| Rajkot | ODI | 320 | Minimal | Bat first |
| Indore | ODI | 330 | Minimal | Bat first |
| Nagpur | T20I | 170 | Moderate | Bowl first |
| Raipur | T20I | 165 | Moderate | Bowl first |
| Guwahati | T20I | 190 | High | Bowl first |
| Visakhapatnam | T20I | 165 | High | Bowl first |
| Thiruvananthapuram | T20I | 180 | High | Bowl first |
These venues test team strategies. India’s spinners thrive here, while New Zealand must adapt quickly.
What venue excites you most? The diversity ensures thrilling cricket.
India vs New Zealand 2026 Squads: Full List and In-Depth Analysis
Squads define series narratives. In the New Zealand Tour of India 2026, India fields strong lineups. New Zealand battles injuries, especially in ODIs.
India’s selections reflect balance. ODIs see seniors return, T20Is focus on explosiveness. New Zealand introduces debutants amid absences.
India ODI Squad
India’s 15-member ODI squad, announced recently by BCCI, is led by Shubman Gill. It includes experience and youth.
Full List:
- Shubman Gill (c) – Top order Batter
- Shreyas Iyer (vc)* – Top order Batter
- Arshdeep Singh – Bowler
- Harshit Rana – Bowler
- Ravindra Jadeja – Allrounder
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Opening Batter
- Virat Kohli – Top order Batter
- Kuldeep Yadav – Bowler
- Mohammed Siraj – Bowler
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Batting Allrounder
- Rishabh Pant (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Prasidh Krishna – Bowler
- KL Rahul (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Rohit Sharma – Top order Batter
- Washington Sundar – Bowling Allrounder
*Subject to fitness clearance.
Analysis: Gill captains after neck injury recovery. Rohit and Kohli bolster batting. Jadeja’s return adds spin depth. Pace options like Siraj and Arshdeep are potent. Absences: Hardik Pandya (workload), no Tilak Varma despite domestic form.
Strengths: Top-order firepower, versatile allrounders. Weaknesses: Dependence on seniors if youth falter.
This squad aims for dominance in home conditions.
India T20I Squad
Same as T20 World Cup squad, captained by Suryakumar Yadav.
Full List:
- Suryakumar Yadav (c) – Batter
- Axar Patel (vc) – Allrounder
- Abhishek Sharma – Batting Allrounder
- Arshdeep Singh – Bowler
- Jasprit Bumrah – Bowler
- Shivam Dube – Allrounder
- Harshit Rana – Bowler
- Ishan Kishan (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Kuldeep Yadav – Bowler
- Hardik Pandya – Allrounder
- Sanju Samson (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Rinku Singh – Middle order Batter
- Tilak Varma – Batting Allrounder
- Varun Chakravarthy – Bowler
- Washington Sundar – Bowling Allrounder
Analysis: Explosive batting with Abhishek, Tilak, Rinku. Bumrah leads pace, spinners like Varun and Kuldeep shine. Inclusions: Ishan Kishan after SMAT heroics. Exclusions: Shubman Gill (injury/form), Jitesh Sharma.
Strengths: Depth in all departments. Weaknesses: Potential middle-order vulnerability if top fails.
Perfect for T20 World Cup prep.
New Zealand ODI Squad
Injury-hit, captained by Michael Bracewell.
Full List:
- Michael Bracewell (c) – Batting Allrounder
- Adi Ashok – Bowler
- Kristian Clarke – Bowler
- Josh Clarkson – Batting Allrounder
- Devon Conway (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Zak Foulkes – Allrounder
- Mitchell Hay (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Kyle Jamieson – Bowler
- Nick Kelly – Top order Batter
- Jayden Lennox – Bowler
- Daryl Mitchell – Batting Allrounder
- Henry Nicholls – Top order Batter
- Glenn Phillips – Allrounder
- Michael Rae – Bowler
- Will Young – Top order Batter
Analysis: Absences galore – Williamson (SA20), Latham (personal), Santner (rested/injured), others injured. Debutants like Lennox, Clarke add freshness. Jamieson returns from back injury.
Strengths: Allrounders like Mitchell, Phillips. Weaknesses: Inexperienced bowling, missing leadership.
A rebuilding opportunity.
New Zealand T20I Squad
Stronger, led by Mitchell Santner.
Full List:
- Mitchell Santner (c) – Bowling Allrounder
- Michael Bracewell – Batting Allrounder
- Mark Chapman – Allrounder
- Devon Conway (wk) – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Jacob Duffy – Bowler
- Zak Foulkes – Allrounder
- Matt Henry – Bowler
- Bevon Jacobs – Middle order Batter
- Kyle Jamieson – Bowler
- Daryl Mitchell – Batting Allrounder
- James Neesham – Batting Allrounder
- Glenn Phillips – Allrounder
- Rachin Ravindra – Batting Allrounder
- Tim Robinson – Top order Batter
- Ish Sodhi – Bowler
Analysis: Returns: Santner, Chapman, Henry from injuries. Recalls: Jacobs, Robinson. No Williamson.
Strengths: Versatile allrounders, spin options. Weaknesses: Pace depth if Jamieson/Henry tire.
Better suited for T20s.
Squads show India’s edge, but cricket’s unpredictable.
Probable Playing XI and Tactical Breakdown for India vs New Zealand 2026
Probable XIs reveal strategies. India emphasizes balance, New Zealand adaptability.
ODI Probable XIs
India:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Rishabh Pant
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
Tactics: Strong top order sets platform. Spin trio (Jadeja, Sundar, Kuldeep) exploits conditions. Pace rotation with Arshdeep/Prasidh/Harshit.
New Zealand:
- Will Young
- Henry Nicholls
- Devon Conway (wk)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell (c)
- Josh Clarkson
- Kyle Jamieson
- Zak Foulkes
- Jayden Lennox
- Adi Ashok
Tactics: Rely on Mitchell/Phillips for runs. Jamieson leads pace, spinners like Lennox target middle overs. Defend totals or chase steadily.
India’s depth gives advantage.
T20I Probable XIs
India:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
Tactics: Aggressive openers, finishers like Rinku. Bumrah death overs, spinners middle phase. Adapt to dew by bowling second if possible.
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway (wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- James Neesham
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
Tactics: Explosive start, allrounders for flexibility. Santner/Sodhi spin duo, Neesham finisher. Target 180+ totals.
Dew influences: Teams may field extra spinners.
These lineups promise close contests.
Players to Watch: Stars Who Could Decide the India vs New Zealand 2026 Series
Individual brilliance often swings series. Here are key players from both sides.
Indian Stars
Virat Kohli (ODI/T20I): Master batsman. Recent ODIs: 572 runs in 10 matches at 81.71 average, 99.3 SR. His ability to anchor and accelerate is crucial. In home conditions, expect big scores.
Rohit Sharma (ODI): Opener with flair. 487 runs in 10 ODIs at 54.11. Powerplay dominance sets tones. Against NZ pacers, his pulls and drives will shine.
Jasprit Bumrah (T20I): Pace leader. 9 wickets in 7 T20Is at 6.99 economy. Yorkers in death overs are game-changers. NZ batters beware.
Kuldeep Yadav (Both): Wrist-spinner. 17 wickets in 8 ODIs at 5.45 economy. Variations puzzle opponents. Subcontinent suits him.
Tilak Varma (T20I): Rising star. 290 runs in 9 T20Is at 48.33, 126.63 SR. Middle-order aggression key for India.
Abhishek Sharma (T20I): Allrounder. 271 runs in 10 T20Is at 163.25 SR. Opening blasts pressure NZ.
New Zealand Standouts
Daryl Mitchell (Both): Reliable allrounder. 497 runs in 8 ODIs at 82.83. Handles spin well, vital in India.
Glenn Phillips (Both): Versatile. Explosive batting, handy spin. Key in middle overs.
Mitchell Santner (T20I): Captain, spinner. Controls games with economy.
Kyle Jamieson (Both): Tall pacer returning. 8 wickets in 4 games. Bounce troubles Indians.
Rachin Ravindra (T20I): Young talent. Batting allrounder with potential.
Zak Foulkes (Both): Emerging allrounder. 9 wickets in 5 games at 4.5 economy.
These players could turn matches.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head: Records, Rivalry, and Past Encounters
The India-New Zealand rivalry is intense. In ODIs, India leads at home.
Last 5 ODIs:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Mar 9, 2025 | India won by 4 wickets |
| Mar 2, 2025 | India won by 44 runs |
| Nov 15, 2023 | India won by 70 runs |
| Oct 22, 2023 | India won by 4 wickets |
| Jan 24, 2023 | India won by 90 runs |
India dominates recent clashes.
Last 5 T20Is:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2023 | India won by 168 runs |
| Jan 29, 2023 | India won by 6 wickets |
| Jan 27, 2023 | New Zealand won by 21 runs |
| Nov 22, 2022 | Tied (DLS) |
| Nov 20, 2022 | India won by 65 runs |
More balanced, with NZ occasional winners.
Overall in India: India wins most. Historic moments include 2019 World Cup semi-final (NZ win), but home series favor India.
This adds spice.
Recent Form: How Both Teams Are Shaping Up Ahead of New Zealand Tour of India 2026
Form guides predictions.
India ODIs (last 5): L W W L W. Mixed, but strong home.
New Zealand ODIs: W W W W W. Impressive streak vs WI, England.
India T20Is: W A W L W. Dominant vs SA.
New Zealand T20Is: W NR W W L. Competitive vs WI.
NZ’s ODI form is hot, but injuries hurt. India’s consistency edges.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming, TV Broadcast, and Ticket Guide for India vs New Zealand 2026
Don’t miss the action.
In India: Star Sports TV (English, Hindi). Stream on JioCinema (free).
New Zealand: Spark Sport/TVNZ.
Global: Check local broadcasters (Sky UK, Willow USA).
Tickets: BookMyShow primary. Sales start soon, prices ₹800-₹15,000. State sites for venue-specific.
BCCI.tv for updates, ESPNcricinfo for live scores.
Series Prediction: Who Will Win the New Zealand Tour of India 2026?
India favorites. ODI series: 3-0 India, given NZ depletions.
T20I series: 4-1 India. NZ might snatch one.
X-factors: Dew, spinners, Mitchell’s form.
This tour excites. Follow IPL Star for updates!
FAQs: New Zealand Tour of India 2026
1. When does the New Zealand Tour of India 2026 start and what is the full schedule?
The New Zealand Tour of India 2026 begins on January 11, 2026, with the first ODI in Vadodara. The three ODIs run from January 11–18, followed by five T20Is from January 21–31. Key venues include Rajkot, Indore, Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. All ODIs are day games starting at 1:30 PM IST, while T20Is are evening matches at 7:00 PM IST.
2. Who will captain India and New Zealand in the 2026 series?
For the ODIs, Shubman Gill leads India, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain (subject to fitness). Michael Bracewell captains a depleted New Zealand side. In the T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav captains India with Axar Patel as deputy, while Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand’s stronger squad.
3. What are the squads for India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026?
India’s ODI squad features Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. New Zealand’s injury-hit side is led by Michael Bracewell and includes Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and returning pacer Kyle Jamieson, but misses Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Mitchell Santner.
4. What is India’s T20I squad for New Zealand Tour of India 2026?
India’s T20I squad, also their T20 World Cup team, is captained by Suryakumar Yadav. Key players include Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav. Notable inclusions are Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.
5. Where will the India vs New Zealand 2026 matches be played?
The three ODIs are in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore. The five T20Is move to Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Expect batting-friendly pitches in ODIs and dew-influenced chases in most T20I venues.
6. How can I watch India vs New Zealand 2026 live in India?
Matches will be telecast live on Star Sports Network with English, Hindi, and regional commentary. Free live streaming is available on JioCinema app and website for all India vs New Zealand 2026 games.
7. Who are the key players to watch in New Zealand Tour of India 2026?
For India: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Tilak Varma. For New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner (T20Is), and Rachin Ravindra stand out despite squad challenges.
8. What is the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in recent white-ball matches?
In the last five ODIs, India won four. In T20Is, India leads 3-1 with one tie. India has dominated recent bilateral series at home.
9. What is the series prediction for India vs New Zealand 2026?
India are strong favourites. Experts predict a 3-0 ODI sweep due to New Zealand’s weakened squad, and a 4-1 or 5-0 T20I win for India, leveraging home advantage and superior depth.
10. How to buy tickets for New Zealand Tour of India 2026 matches?
Tickets are available on BookMyShow and respective state association websites. Prices range from ₹800 to ₹15,000 depending on the venue and stand. Sales typically open 7–10 days before each match.
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