India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Schedule, Squads and Where to Watch
Published on September 25, 2026
Summary Overview: India tour of New Zealand 2026: full 12-match schedule in local, IST and ET, broadcast channels, and a blockbuster across all three formats, including two WTC Tests.
12 Matches, 3 Formats: India's Blockbuster 2026 Tour of New Zealand
What does the tour involve?
A huge 12-match series across all three formats: five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, running from October 22 to December 1.
Why is it a landmark?
It is the biggest men's bilateral series New Zealand has ever hosted, and it reunites two teams with a rich recent history.
Where can I watch it?
On Sky Sport in New Zealand, Star Sports and JioHotstar in India, Fox Sports and Kayo in Australia, TNT Sports in the UK, and Willow TV in the USA. Full list below.
The Story: A Rivalry Renewed on the Biggest Stage
Few tours pack in as much as this one. India travel to New Zealand for a marathon 12-match series spanning five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, played across six grounds from October into December. It is the largest men's bilateral tour New Zealand has ever staged, a sign of just how big a draw these two teams have become.
For readers new to cricket: a "bilateral series" is simply a tour between two nations, and this one is unusually long because it covers all three formats of the game (the short T20, the 50-over ODI and the five-day Test). That gives fans a bit of everything.
A Series Loaded With History
What makes this tour so juicy is the recent past between the sides. Earlier in 2026, India beat New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final to retain their crown, so the Black Caps will be itching for revenge in the white-ball games.
The Tests carry an even sharper edge. Back in 2024, New Zealand pulled off a stunning 3-0 Test whitewash in India, the first time India had ever been swept at home. Now India get their shot at payback on New Zealand soil. Add in the fact that the Tests count towards the World Test Championship, and the stakes could hardly be higher.
The T20I Leg: World Cup Final Rematch
The tour opens with five T20Is, a rematch of that World Cup final and a chance for India's white-ball stars to shine in tough New Zealand conditions. Expect fast, aggressive cricket at grounds like Eden Park in Auckland, famous for its short boundaries and huge scores.
The ODI Leg: Fifty-Over Battle
Next come five ODIs, a lengthy 50-over contest that will test the depth and stamina of both squads. New Zealand are always dangerous at home in this format, with disciplined bowling suited to their pitches, while India bring a batting order full of match-winners.
The Test Leg: The Real Prize
The tour closes with two Tests, and this is where the fiercest battle lies. India will be desperate to avenge the 2024 humiliation, while New Zealand will fancy their chances at home. The historic Basin Reserve in Wellington and Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host what should be an absorbing red-ball finale.
Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming
Here is how to follow the tour around the world.
| Region | Broadcasters / Streaming Services |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ, Sky Sport Now |
| India | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
| Australia | Fox Sports (Foxtel), Kayo Sports |
| UK | TNT Sports, discovery+ |
| USA | Willow TV, Willow via Sling TV or Prime Video |
Full Schedule (Local, IST and ET)
All local times are New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT, UTC+13). Because New Zealand is so far ahead, IST falls on the same calendar date, but ET (US Eastern) falls on the previous evening for the ODIs and Tests. The ET day is shown so the date is always clear. Note: US clocks change from EDT to EST on November 1, so ET shifts by an hour partway through.
T20I Series
| Match | Date (NZ) | Venue | Local (NZDT) | IST | ET |
| 1st T20I | Thu, Oct 22 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 3:00 AM |
| 2nd T20I | Sat, Oct 24 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 3:00 AM |
| 3rd T20I | Tue, Oct 27 | Sky Stadium, Wellington | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 3:00 AM |
| 4th T20I | Fri, Oct 30 | Eden Park, Auckland | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 3:00 AM |
| 5th T20I | Sun, Nov 1 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 2:00 AM |
ODI Series
| Match | Date (NZ) | Venue | Local (NZDT) | IST | ET |
| 1st ODI | Wed, Nov 4 | Eden Park, Auckland | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Tue, 9:00 PM |
| 2nd ODI | Sat, Nov 7 | Sky Stadium, Wellington | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Fri, 9:00 PM |
| 3rd ODI | Tue, Nov 10 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Mon, 9:00 PM |
| 4th ODI | Fri, Nov 13 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Thu, 9:00 PM |
| 5th ODI | Sun, Nov 15 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Sat, 9:00 PM |
Test Series (ICC World Test Championship 2025-27)
| Match | Date (NZ) | Venue | Local (NZDT) | IST | ET |
| 1st Test | Thu, Nov 19 | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 11:00 AM | 3:30 AM | Wed, 5:00 PM |
| 2nd Test | Fri, Nov 27 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 11:00 AM | 3:30 AM | Thu, 5:00 PM |
📄 Download the full schedule as a PDF to save or share.
Squads for the tour are expected to be announced closer to the opening game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does India's tour of New Zealand 2026 begin?
It starts on October 22 with the first T20I in Christchurch and runs until December 1.
How many matches are on the tour?
Twelve in total: five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
Why is this tour historically significant?
It is the biggest men's bilateral series New Zealand has ever hosted.
What is the history between these teams?
India beat New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final, while New Zealand famously swept India 3-0 in Tests in 2024.
Where can I watch in the USA?
On Willow TV, available via cable, Sling TV or Prime Video.
Related Guides and Series Coverage
📋 India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Full Results and Scorecards
📋 World Test Championship 2025-27 Guide and Standings