The India tour of New Zealand 2026 is one of the major international cricket series of the 2026–27 season. India will travel to New Zealand for a 12-match tour featuring five T20 Internationals, five One-Day Internationals and two Test matches.
The tour is scheduled to run from 22 October to 1 December 2026, with matches taking place in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. The series will test India’s batting, bowling and adaptability across different formats while giving New Zealand an opportunity to use home conditions to its advantage.
India’s T20I squad is led by Shreyas Iyer, while Shubman Gill will captain the first three ODIs and Shreyas Iyer will lead the final two. Gill will also captain India in the Test series. Official BCCI announcement
In this complete guide to India vs New Zealand 2026, we cover the full schedule, squads, historical head-to-head records, T20I statistics, ODI records, Test cricket history and player comparisons.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour | India tour of New Zealand 2026 |
| Host country | New Zealand |
| Touring team | India |
| T20I matches | 5 |
| ODI matches | 5 |
| Test matches | 2 |
| Total international matches | 12 |
| Start date | 22 October 2026 |
| Final scheduled date | 1 December 2026 |
| T20I captain (India) | Shreyas Iyer |
| ODI captain (India) | Shubman Gill / Shreyas Iyer |
| Test captain (India) | Shubman Gill |
| Main objective | International competition and preparation for upcoming ICC events |
The 12-match tour is a major part of New Zealand Cricket’s 2026–27 home international schedule. It also marks India’s return to Test cricket in New Zealand after its previous Test tour in 2019. Source: New Zealand Cricket
1. India vs New Zealand 2026 Schedule
The India vs New Zealand 2026 schedule includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The T20I series opens the tour, followed by the ODI series and the two-match Test series.
India vs New Zealand T20I Schedule 2026
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 22 October 2026 | Christchurch | 12:30 PM |
| 2nd T20I | 24 October 2026 | Christchurch | 12:30 PM |
| 3rd T20I | 27 October 2026 | Wellington | 12:30 PM |
| 4th T20I | 30 October 2026 | Auckland | 12:30 PM |
| 5th T20I | 1 November 2026 | Hamilton | 12:30 PM |
The five-match T20I series will give both teams an opportunity to test their combinations, evaluate young players and build momentum ahead of the next phase of the tour.
India vs New Zealand ODI Schedule 2026
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 4 November 2026 | Auckland | 7:30 AM |
| 2nd ODI | 7 November 2026 | Wellington | 7:30 AM |
| 3rd ODI | 10 November 2026 | Hamilton | 7:30 AM |
| 4th ODI | 13 November 2026 | Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
| 5th ODI | 15 November 2026 | Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
The ODI series will be especially important as India and New Zealand continue developing their combinations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
India will use different leadership groups across the series. Shubman Gill will captain the first three matches, with Shreyas Iyer taking over for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
India vs New Zealand Test Schedule 2026
| Match | Dates | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 19–23 November 2026 | Wellington | 3:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | 27 November–1 December 2026 | Christchurch | 3:30 AM |
The Test series will challenge India’s batters against New Zealand’s seam attack in conditions that can favour swing and seam movement. The first Test is scheduled at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, while the second is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Schedule source: BCCI official fixtures and New Zealand Cricket’s summer schedule. All times are in Indian Standard Time (IST).
2. India vs New Zealand Squad 2026
The two teams have selected different combinations for the three formats. India’s announced T20I squad features a mix of established international players and emerging talent. The ODI and Test squads have also been announced.
India T20I Squad 2026
Captain: Shreyas Iyer | Vice-captain: Tilak Varma
- 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
- Kuldeep Yadav
India’s T20I squad combines aggressive top-order batting, versatile all-rounders and several bowling options. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson can provide attacking starts, while Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube offer middle-order power.
The bowling group includes left-arm pace, specialist spin and mystery-spin options. The effectiveness of India’s attack will depend on how well the bowlers adapt to New Zealand’s grounds and conditions.
India ODI Squad 2026
India has announced separate squads for the first three ODIs and the final two ODIs.
Captain for the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav are among the players named in the first-three-match squad.
Captain for the final two ODIs: Shreyas Iyer
The squad for the final two matches includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav, alongside captain Shreyas Iyer.
Prasidh Krishna’s selection for the first three ODIs is subject to fitness clearance.
The split squads allow India to manage player workloads while testing different combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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India Test Squad 2026
Captain: Shubman Gill | Vice-captain: KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper; subject to fitness clearance)
- Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
India’s Test squad offers a combination of experienced international players, seam bowlers, spin options and developing batters. Jasprit Bumrah’s presence will be important for India’s pace attack, while Jadeja and Washington Sundar add all-round ability.
Rishabh Pant’s participation is subject to fitness clearance.
New Zealand Squad 2026
New Zealand’s selections reflect its focus on home conditions and workload management across the tour.
New Zealand T20I squad — Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Finn Allen
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
- Lockie Ferguson
- Zak Foulkes
- Matt Henry
- Bevon Jacobs
- Kyle Jamieson
- Adam Milne
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tim Seifert
- Nathan Smith
New Zealand ODI squad: first three matches
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
New Zealand ODI squad: final two matches
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
The ODI squads have been split to manage workloads and give different players opportunities during the series. New Zealand’s Test squad should be added to this page when its official announcement is available.
3. India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have a long history of international cricket, with competitive contests in Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals.
Their rivalry includes bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. India has generally been a strong opponent in limited-overs cricket, while New Zealand has often been particularly competitive in home conditions and high-pressure knockout matches.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head: All Formats
The overall head-to-head record should be presented separately for each format because Test matches, ODIs and T20Is have different match histories and outcomes.
For an accurate statistical record, include the following fields, updated through the latest completed match before publication:
| Format | Matches played | India wins | New Zealand wins | Draws / ties / no results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | Update from official records | Update | Update | Update |
| ODIs | Update from official records | Update | Update | Update |
| T20Is | Update from official records | Update | Update | Update |
These figures should be verified against an authoritative score database before publishing. The 2026 series results must not be included in historical totals until those matches have been played.
Why India vs New Zealand Is a Competitive Rivalry
1. Different playing conditions
India’s players are accustomed to many subcontinental conditions, while New Zealand’s grounds can offer swing, seam movement and variable weather. Adapting to those conditions is a major part of India’s challenge.
2. Experienced international players
Players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson and other established internationals have helped shape the rivalry across formats and generations.
3. ICC tournament history
India and New Zealand have faced each other in several important ICC events. Their contests have included memorable knockout matches, making the rivalry significant beyond bilateral series.
4. Strong bowling attacks
India’s pace and spin resources will face a New Zealand attack designed to exploit home conditions. The balance between batting depth and bowling discipline could determine the outcome of individual matches.
4. India vs New Zealand T20I Stats
T20 International cricket places a premium on power-hitting, strike rotation, flexible bowling plans and fielding. The 2026 series will give both teams an opportunity to evaluate their short-format combinations.
India vs New Zealand T20I Head-to-Head
For the most useful comparison, Cric-Beast should track these statistics using completed T20I matches only:
| Statistic | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| T20Is won | Update from official records | Update from official records |
| Highest team total | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Lowest team total | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Highest individual score | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Best bowling figures | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Most career runs in this matchup | Verify records | Verify records |
| Most career wickets in this matchup | Verify records | Verify records |
Key Indian Players to Watch in T20Is
- Abhishek Sharma: His attacking approach at the top of the order can put pressure on New Zealand’s powerplay bowlers.
- Sanju Samson: His wicketkeeping and ability to score quickly make him an important option in India’s batting lineup.
- Tilak Varma: His middle-order batting and ability to handle different bowling styles could be valuable in close contests.
- Shivam Dube: His power-hitting gives India another option to accelerate during the middle and death overs.
- Arshdeep Singh: His left-arm pace and death-over skills will be important when restricting New Zealand’s scoring.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: His variations could challenge New Zealand’s batters, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to spin.
New Zealand T20I Players to Watch
- Finn Allen: An attacking batter capable of changing the course of a T20I during the powerplay.
- Glenn Phillips: A versatile batter and fielder who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
- Devon Conway: His ability to build an innings while maintaining scoring momentum makes him an important top-order option.
- Mitchell Santner: The captain provides left-arm spin and all-round value.
- Lockie Ferguson: His pace can make him a dangerous option, particularly on surfaces offering extra bounce.
- Tim Seifert: A wicketkeeper-batter who can provide an attacking option at the top of the order.
The most important T20I matchups will involve India’s power-hitters against New Zealand’s pace attack, along with New Zealand’s aggressive opening batters against India’s specialist spin options.
5. India vs New Zealand ODI Records
ODI cricket demands a balance between taking wickets and preserving resources for the final overs. The five-match ODI series in November 2026 will be a key opportunity for both sides to assess combinations ahead of the next men’s ODI World Cup.
India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head
The ODI record should include overall wins, tied matches, no-results and major individual records.
| ODI record | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Total ODIs played | Update from official records | Same overall total |
| Matches won | Verify | Verify |
| Highest team total | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Lowest team total | Verify scorecard | Verify scorecard |
| Highest individual score | Verify record | Verify record |
| Best bowling figures | Verify record | Verify record |
| Most runs in India–New Zealand ODIs | Verify record | Verify record |
| Most wickets in India–New Zealand ODIs | Verify record | Verify record |
Indian Players to Watch in ODIs
- Rohit Sharma: His experience and attacking opening style could be crucial in the first powerplay.
- Virat Kohli: His ability to build an innings, rotate strike and accelerate makes him central to India’s ODI batting plans.
- Shubman Gill: As captain for the first three ODIs, Gill will be responsible for leadership as well as his batting contribution.
- Shreyas Iyer: He will serve as vice-captain in the first three matches before leading the final two ODIs.
- KL Rahul: His wicketkeeping and middle-order batting provide flexibility in India’s lineup.
- Kuldeep Yadav: His wrist-spin could be important in taking wickets during the middle overs.
- Mohammed Siraj: His ability to attack with the new ball and contribute later in the innings will be valuable.
New Zealand Players to Watch in ODIs
- Daryl Mitchell: His batting against pace and spin makes him an important middle-order player.
- Rachin Ravindra: His batting and spin bowling give New Zealand additional balance in the first three ODIs.
- Tom Latham: His wicketkeeping and experience can be important in controlling the innings.
- Glenn Phillips: His versatility offers batting depth and athletic fielding.
- Mitchell Santner: His captaincy and spin bowling will be important in managing India’s middle order.
- Matt Henry: His seam bowling could be a major weapon with the new ball.
The ODI series will likely be shaped by powerplay wickets, middle-over control and the ability to score efficiently during the final ten overs.
6. India vs New Zealand Test Records
Test cricket is a different challenge from the white-ball formats. Batters must manage movement, patience and changing pitch conditions, while bowlers must maintain pressure over long spells.
The two Tests in November 2026 will be especially interesting because India will play in New Zealand’s home conditions, where seam movement and weather can influence the course of a match.
India vs New Zealand Test Head-to-Head
Record notes:
- India’s highest total was 583/7 declared against New Zealand at Ahmedabad in 1999.
- New Zealand’s highest total was 680/8 declared at Wellington in 2014, featuring Brendon McCullum’s 302.
- India’s lowest all-out total was 46 at Bengaluru in October 2024.
- New Zealand’s lowest all-out total was 62 at Mumbai in December 2021
A Test draw must be distinguished from a tie. A drawn Test can finish without a winner, while a tied Test requires both teams to finish with exactly the same aggregate score.
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India’s Key Test Players
- Shubman Gill: His leadership and batting will be important in setting the tone for the series.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: His attacking approach can put pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers, although he will need to manage movement outside off stump.
- KL Rahul: His experience at the top of the order and role as vice-captain make him a key player.
- Ravindra Jadeja: His left-arm spin, batting depth and fielding provide India with valuable all-round balance.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His accuracy, pace and ability to generate movement make him one of India’s key bowling options.
- Mohammed Siraj: His seam bowling and ability to sustain pressure will be important in New Zealand conditions.
- Washington Sundar: His off-spin and batting ability offer another option for the team balance.
New Zealand’s Key Test Players
New Zealand’s final Test squad should be checked when officially announced. Players with established international experience, including Kane Williamson where selected and available, may be relevant to the matchup.
The main areas to watch will be New Zealand’s seam attack, India’s top-order response to swing, and the effectiveness of both teams’ bowling plans over long innings.
What Could Decide the Test Series?
- New-ball movement: Early wickets can put either team under pressure.
- Batting discipline: Leaving the ball well and choosing scoring opportunities carefully will be important.
- Bowling depth: Teams need enough seam-bowling options to maintain pressure across five days.
- Spin bowling: Spinners may become more influential as pitches wear.
- Fitness and workload: The tour’s sequence of T20Is, ODIs and Tests makes player management important.
7. India vs New Zealand Player Comparison
Player comparisons help cricket fans understand how individuals perform across formats and conditions. Cric-Beast can use this section to connect the 2026 tour guide with detailed player-statistics pages.
The most useful comparisons combine career records, recent form, format-specific numbers and performances against the particular opposition.
Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson
Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson are two of the most prominent batters of their generation.
Kohli is known for his chasing ability, intensity and consistency in limited-overs cricket. Williamson is known for his composure, timing and adaptability across formats.
| Statistic | Virat Kohli | Kane Williamson |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | New Zealand |
| Role | Top-order batter | Top-order batter |
| Test centuries | 30+ | 30+ |
| ODI centuries | 50+ | 15+ |
| T20I centuries | 1 | 0 |
| Batting style | Right-handed | Right-handed |
Rohit Sharma vs Devon Conway
Rohit Sharma and Devon Conway offer an interesting comparison between two top-order batters.
Rohit’s ODI record includes a reputation for large scores and powerful stroke play. Conway brings a measured approach and the ability to build an innings across formats.
| Statistic | Rohit Sharma | Devon Conway |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | New Zealand |
| Role | Opening batter | Top-order batter |
| Batting style | Right-handed | Left-handed |
| Test centuries | 12 | 7 |
| ODI centuries | 33 | 5 |
| T20I centuries | 5 | 0 |
Shubman Gill vs Rachin Ravindra
Shubman Gill and Rachin Ravindra represent two talented modern international batters, with Ravindra also offering a spin-bowling option.
| Statistic | Shubman Gill | Rachin Ravindra |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | New Zealand |
| Role | Top-order batter | Batting all-rounder |
| Batting style | Right-handed | Left-handed |
| Test centuries | 10+ | 4 |
| ODI centuries | 8 | 4 |
| T20I centuries | 0 | 0 |
Jasprit Bumrah vs Matt Henry
Jasprit Bumrah and Matt Henry are important pace-bowling options whose skills will be tested in New Zealand conditions.
| Statistic | Jasprit Bumrah | Matt Henry |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | New Zealand |
| Role | Fast bowler | Fast bowler |
| Bowling style | Right-arm fast | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Test wickets | 200+ | 150+ |
| ODI wickets | 100+ | 100+ |
| T20I wickets | 80+ | 0+ |
Ravindra Jadeja vs Mitchell Santner
Jadeja and Santner are left-arm spin-bowling all-rounders who can influence matches with both bat and ball.
| Statistic | Ravindra Jadeja | Mitchell Santner |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | New Zealand |
| Role | All-rounder | All-rounder |
| Batting style | Left-handed | Left-handed |
| Bowling style | Left-arm orthodox | Left-arm orthodox |
| Test centuries | 4 | 0 |
| ODI centuries | 0 | 0 |
| T20I centuries | 0 | 0 |
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India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Key Storylines
The series presents several important talking points for cricket fans.
1. India’s performance in New Zealand conditions
India will need to adapt to New Zealand’s pitches, weather and seam movement, especially during the Test matches.
2. ODI World Cup preparations
The five ODIs will offer opportunities to assess India’s batting order, bowling combinations and backup options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
3. New Zealand’s home advantage
New Zealand will look to use its knowledge of local grounds and conditions to challenge India across all three formats.
4. Emerging Indian players
The tour provides opportunities for selected young players to gain experience against a strong international opponent.
5. Leadership and squad management
Different captains and split squads in the ODI series make team combinations and workload management important storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the India tour of New Zealand 2026 start?
The tour is scheduled to begin on 22 October 2026 with the first T20 International in Christchurch.
How many matches will India play in New Zealand in 2026?
India is scheduled to play 12 international matches: five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches.
When is the India vs New Zealand T20I series in 2026?
The five-match T20I series is scheduled from 22 October to 1 November 2026.
When is the India vs New Zealand ODI series in 2026?
The five-match ODI series is scheduled from 4 November to 15 November 2026.
When will the India vs New Zealand Test series take place?
The two-match Test series is scheduled to run from 19 November to 1 December 2026.
Who is India’s T20I captain for the New Zealand tour?
Shreyas Iyer has been named India’s T20I captain, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain.
Who will captain India in the 2026 ODI series?
Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the team in the final two matches.
Who is India’s Test captain for the New Zealand tour?
Shubman Gill has been named India’s Test captain, with KL Rahul as vice-captain.
Where will the India vs New Zealand 2026 matches be played?
The scheduled venues are Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
Where can I find India vs New Zealand head-to-head records?
Cric-Beast’s head-to-head and player-comparison pages should provide format-wise records, career statistics and individual matchups. Historical figures should be updated from verified scorecards before publication.
Why is the India tour of New Zealand 2026 important?
The tour gives both teams international competition across three formats. It also provides valuable preparation opportunities for future ICC events, particularly the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.
Conclusion
The India tour of New Zealand 2026 promises a demanding international contest across T20Is, ODIs and Test cricket. India’s batting depth and bowling resources will face a significant challenge from New Zealand’s home advantage and familiar playing conditions.
The five-match T20I series will open the tour, the ODIs will provide an important test of team combinations, and the two Tests will challenge both sides’ patience, technique and bowling depth.
For cricket fans, the series is also an opportunity to explore historical head-to-head records, compare leading players and follow the performances that shape the rivalry.
Bookmark this guide for the India vs New Zealand 2026 schedule, squad updates, match results, statistics and player comparisons as the tour progresses.
Explore more cricket records and player comparisons on Cric-Beast.
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