India are scheduled to tour New Zealand from October 22 to December 1, 2026, for a series featuring T20Is, ODIs and Test matches. The tour will give both teams an opportunity to assess their combinations across formats, with the ODI leg also forming part of India's preparations for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
The T20I series will open the tour, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches. New Zealand's home conditions will present a different challenge in each format, particularly for India's batters and bowlers during the longer matches.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Full Schedule
T20I series
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st T20I | October 22 | Christchurch |
2nd T20I | October 24 | Christchurch |
3rd T20I | October 27 | Wellington |
4th T20I | October 30 | Auckland |
5th T20I | November 1 | Hamilton |
ODI series
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st ODI | November 4 | Auckland |
2nd ODI | November 7 | Wellington |
3rd ODI | November 10 | Hamilton |
4th ODI | November 13 | Mount Maunganui |
5th ODI | November 15 | Mount Maunganui |
Test series
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st Test | November 19–23 | Wellington |
2nd Test | November 27–December 1 | Christchurch |
India T20I Squad for the New Zealand Tour
India's announced T20I squad is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma named vice-captain. The selection includes established international players alongside younger cricketers looking to strengthen their positions in the national side.
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy are among the players included. The bowling group features Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
India's announced T20I squad:
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
The squad will be assessed on its ability to adapt to New Zealand's conditions and maintain consistency throughout the five-match series.
ODI and Test Squad Announcements
India's ODI and Test squads are a key part of the remaining team news ahead of the tour. The selections will be watched closely as the team continues its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and upcoming Test assignments.
The ODI series will give the selectors an opportunity to evaluate batting combinations, bowling options and the balance of the playing XI. Fitness, recent performances and player availability will also influence the final selections.
Until the BCCI confirms the squads, any reports about possible inclusions or omissions should be treated as unconfirmed.
New Zealand Conditions Pose a Different Challenge
Playing in New Zealand requires teams to adjust to local conditions, particularly when the ball moves through the air or off the surface. India's batters will need to manage the early overs carefully while maintaining the ability to accelerate when opportunities arise.
The T20Is will place a premium on power-hitting, bowling variations and execution at the death. In the ODIs, building partnerships and managing the middle overs will be equally important.
The two Tests will demand greater patience and discipline. India's bowling attack will need to make the most of favourable conditions, while the batters will be challenged to build substantial innings against New Zealand's pace options.
Why the Tour Matters for India
The New Zealand tour provides India with an extended opportunity to test their depth across all three formats.
The T20I series will help the team assess its combinations in the shortest format, while the ODIs will be important in shaping plans for the next World Cup. The Test matches will offer a separate examination of India's batting technique, bowling depth and ability to perform away from home.
For New Zealand, the series provides home advantage and the chance to compete against one of international cricket's leading teams across a demanding schedule.
Where to Follow India's New Zealand Tour Updates
CricRadar will cover confirmed squad announcements, match previews, playing XIs, live scores, results and key performances throughout India's tour of New Zealand.
Fans should follow official BCCI and New Zealand Cricket announcements for the latest information on fixtures, venues and team selections.
