Cricket fans are in for a thrilling start to the new year as the Indian cricket team prepares to welcome New Zealand for an extensive eight-match limited-overs series. The high-profile tour, packed with three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), is scheduled to run from January 11 to January 31, 2026.
A Series with Dual Significance: World Cup Prep and Star Returns
This home series against the Black Caps arrives at a pivotal moment for Indian cricket on two distinct fronts. The ODI leg marks the highly anticipated comeback of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the 50-over format, drawing significant attention from fans and pundits alike. Their return is expected to bolster the team's experience as it builds towards future ICC events.
Concurrently, the five T20 Internationals will serve as a critical final testing ground for the Indian team under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 commencing on February 7, this series is the last opportunity to fine-tune team combinations and strategies before the title defence campaign begins.
Squad Announcements and Key Players
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already unveiled the T20I squad for the series, while the ODI squad is pending. The national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is likely to convene an online meeting around January 3 or 4, 2026, to finalize the ODI contingent.
India's T20I Squad features Suryakumar Yadav as captain, with a mix of explosive talent like Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, and seasoned all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. The bowling attack is spearheaded by the returning Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Arshdeep Singh and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand's squads have been announced for both formats. Michael Bracewell will lead the ODI side, which includes key players like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and the returning Kyle Jamieson. The T20I squad will be captained by Mitchell Santner and features exciting talents like Rachin Ravindra alongside experienced campaigners.
Complete Match Schedule and Venues
The series will traverse multiple iconic cricketing venues across India, offering fans nationwide a chance to witness the action.
ODI Series Schedule:
- Jan 11, 2026: 1st ODI at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara (1:30 PM IST)
- Jan 14, 2026: 2nd ODI at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot (1:30 PM IST)
- Jan 18, 2026: 3rd ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore (1:30 PM IST)
T20I Series Schedule:
- Jan 21, 2026: 1st T20I at VCA Stadium, Nagpur (7:00 PM IST)
- Jan 23, 2026: 2nd T20I at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur (7:00 PM IST)
- Jan 25, 2026: 3rd T20I at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati (7:00 PM IST)
- Jan 28, 2026: 4th T20I at ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam (7:00 PM IST)
- Jan 31, 2026: 5th T20I at Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (7:00 PM IST)
This series promises to be a captivating spectacle, blending the nostalgia of veteran comebacks with the urgency of World Cup preparations, setting the stage for a blockbuster month of cricket in India.
