India vs New Zealand 2026: Team India is gearing up for a significant white-ball assignment as they prepare to face New Zealand in a comprehensive ODI and T20I series early next year. The multi-format contest will serve as India’s final major preparation before they begin the defense of their ICC T20 World Cup crown, making the series a key checkpoint for form, combinations, and match readiness.
Scheduled to begin just days into the new year, the India vs New Zealand series will feature three One Day Internationals followed by five T20 Internationals. Much like India’s recent white-ball engagements against Australia and South Africa, this tour is expected to offer intense competition and valuable match practice for both sides.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026
The ODI leg of the series will consist of three 50-over matches, all starting at 1:30 PM IST. These games are set to be played across three different venues, allowing fans from multiple regions to witness top-level international cricket.
The opening ODI will take place on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara, followed by the second match on January 14 in Rajkot. The final ODI of the series is scheduled for January 18 in Indore. While the BCCI is yet to officially announce the ODI squad, Shubman Gill is expected to return as captain for the series, continuing his leadership role in the format.
With the World Cup looming, the ODI series will be closely watched for individual performances and team balance, especially in terms of middle-order stability and bowling depth.
Five-Match T20I Series to Follow
After the ODIs, attention will shift to the shortest format, where India and New Zealand will clash in a five-match T20I series starting January 21, 2026. All T20I matches are scheduled as evening fixtures, beginning at 7:00 PM IST.
The T20I series will kick off in Nagpur, followed by matches in Raipur (January 23), Guwahati (January 25), Visakhapatnam (January 28), and Thiruvananthapuram (January 31). The wide geographical spread ensures strong fan engagement across the country.
Importantly, the BCCI has confirmed that India will field the same squad selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, underlining the importance of the series as a dress rehearsal for the global tournament.
India’s T20I Squad
The squad will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Axar Patel named as vice-captain. The team features a strong mix of experience and youth, including players such as Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav. Promising talents like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana also find a place, reflecting India’s depth in white-ball cricket.
As anticipation builds, the India vs New Zealand series promises high-quality cricket and valuable insights ahead of the World Cup challenge.