Cricket fans are in for a thrilling start to 2026 as the Indian cricket team is set to host New Zealand in a high-octane white-ball series. The tour will feature a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I leg, promising weeks of exciting cricketing action on home soil.
IND vs NZ 2026 ODI Series: Schedule and Match Details
The One Day International series will kick off the bilateral contest. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the following fixtures for the ODI matches:
First ODI: The series opener will be played on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST.
Second ODI: The action then moves to Rajkot for the second match on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The game will be held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Khandheri, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
Third ODI: The ODI series will conclude in Indore on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Holkar Cricket Stadium will host the final match, also scheduled for a 1:30 PM IST start.
Squad Announcement and Player Focus
While the squad for the T20I series has already been unveiled, the ODI team selection is eagerly awaited. According to reports, the national selection committee is expected to announce the squad for the New Zealand ODI series between January 3 and January 4, 2026.
This series holds significant importance as it is expected to mark the return of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup. Both veterans are currently fine-tuning their form by participating in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they have already scored centuries, signaling their readiness.
There is uncertainty around vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who sustained an injury during the series against Australia and subsequently missed the tour of South Africa. His fitness and selection will be closely monitored.
T20I Series and World Cup Preparations
Following the ODIs, the teams will engage in a five-match T20 International series, which serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup later in the year, where India will be defending the title on home soil. The T20I squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been announced and is identical to the World Cup squad.
India's T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK).
The T20I series will commence on January 21, 2026, in Nagpur, and conclude on January 31, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. All T20I matches will start at 7:00 PM IST.
Where to Watch Live
Fans in India can catch all the live action of the India vs New Zealand series on the Star Sports Network. For digital viewers, live streaming of all eight matches (3 ODIs + 5 T20Is) will be available on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
This series promises to be a captivating contest, blending the experience of returning legends with the dynamism of a young T20 squad, setting the stage for an important year in Indian cricket.
