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India vs New Zealand Series: The New Zealand Cricket Board has officially announced the schedule for the 2026–27 home international season, with the highlight being the much-anticipated and historic tour of India. The Indian men’s cricket team will play a total of 12 matches in New Zealand between 22 October and 1 December 2026. The itinerary includes five T20 Internationals, five One Day Internationals, and two Test matches. This will mark the largest bilateral series ever hosted by New Zealand against any visiting side.

The tour to begin with the T20 series

The tour will kick off with a five-match T20 International series between India and New Zealand. The opening two T20Is are scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 22 and 24 October. The third T20I will be played in Wellington on 27 October, followed by the fourth at Eden Park in Auckland on 30 October. The series will conclude with the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 1 November. This series is expected to set the tone for an exciting contest between the two teams.

Five-match ODI series to follow

Following the T20Is, both sides will compete in a five-match ODI series. The first ODI will take place in Auckland on 4 November. The second and third ODIs are scheduled for Wellington on 7 November and Hamilton on 10 November, respectively. The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on 13 and 15 November. This series will serve as a key preparation phase for both teams ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Final challenge: The Test series

After the completion of the limited-overs matches, India and New Zealand will face off in a two-Test series. The opening Test is set for 19–23 November at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second and final Test will be played from 27 November to 1 December at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The Test series is expected to be the most intense part of the tour, continuing the traditional rivalry between the two nations.

Cricket to strengthen bilateral ties

Glenn Critchley, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer of New Zealand Cricket, described the upcoming series as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” He said, “India is the powerhouse of world cricket, and this tour will not only celebrate the spirit of the game but also deepen the cultural and historical relations between the two countries.”

In recent years, India and New Zealand have produced some unforgettable contests, including the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final. With that history in mind, the 2026 tour promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket fans around the globe.