India vs New Zealand Series 2026: Full Schedule, Squads, Venues & Match Timings

India vs New Zealand Series 2026, The excitement is building as India prepares to host New Zealand in an electrifying eight-match limited-overs series starting January 11, 2026. With fans eagerly tracking the India ODI squad vs New Zealand 2026, the tour promises high-octane action featuring three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), spread across scenic cricketing venues from Vadodara to Thiruvananthapuram.

This isn’t just another bilateral series—it’s a curtain-raiser for India’s campaign ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, kicking off in February. The return of senior players to the ODI setup and a fresh mix in the T20 lineup adds an extra dash of intrigue.

The Series at a Glance

India’s home series against New Zealand will span from January 11 to January 31, featuring matches across five different cities. With a packed schedule and some exciting new faces, both sides aim to set the tone for what’s expected to be an action-packed year of international cricket.

The ODI games will be key for India’s transition phase, especially as the team looks to balance youth with experience.

ODI Series: A Battle of Strategy and Form

The ODI leg holds special significance. For India, it’s an opportunity to bring back stalwarts who’ve been rested or rotating in and out of the squad. The upcoming matches will help selectors and the management assess form, fitness, and combinations ahead of the global tournaments.

Fans have eagerly awaited the India ODI squad announcement. While the BCCI has already revealed the T20I squad, the ODI lineup is expected to be finalized during the selection committee’s meeting scheduled around January 3 or 4, 2026.

New Zealand’s ODI Squad: A Balanced Mix

India vs New Zealand Series 2026, on the other hand, has already made their move, naming a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with promising young talent. The Kiwis will be led by Michael Bracewell, who continues to grow as a leader.

New Zealand’s ODI Squad vs India 2026:

• Michael Bracewell (C)

• Adi Ashok

• Kristian Clarke

• Josh Clarkson

• Devon Conway

• Zak Foulkes

• Mitch Hay

• Kyle Jamieson

• Nick Kelly

• Jayden Lennox

• Daryl Mitchell

• Henry Nicholls

• Glenn Phillips

• Michael Rae

• Will Young

With players like Conway, Phillips, and Mitchell, New Zealand look set to pose a serious challenge to the hosts.

India’s ODI Squad: Anticipation and Fan Buzz

India’s ODI squad announcement has cricket fans on edge. After a relatively quiet post-World Cup period, several senior pros are rumored to return. The spotlight will likely be on Hardik Pandya’s fitness, Rohit Sharma’s leadership call, and Virat Kohli’s potential return to the 50-over setup.

The team management will also be closely watching younger names like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma, who could push for places based on their domestic performances and T20 stints.

T20I Series: Fine-Tuning Before the World Cup

While ODIs hold historical weight, the T20 series is where experimentation meets excitement. The five-match affair is seen as a testing ground before India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026.

India’s T20I Squad vs New Zealand:

• Suryakumar Yadav (C)

• Abhishek Sharma

• Sanju Samson

• Tilak Varma

• Hardik Pandya

• Shivam Dube

• Axar Patel

• Rinku Singh

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Harshit Rana

• Arshdeep Singh

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Varun Chakaravarthy

• Washington Sundar

• Ishan Kishan

This lineup screams versatility—big hitters, crafty spinners, and death-over specialists, all under the thoughtful leadership of Suryakumar Yadav.

New Zealand’s T20I Squad: Strong and Street-Smart

T20 squad looks equally lethal on paper, with a blend of veterans and some new faces eager to prove themselves.

New Zealand’s T20I Squad:

• Mitchell Santner (C)

• Michael Bracewell

• Mark Chapman

• Devon Conway

• Jacob Duffy

• Zak Foulkes

• Matt Henry

• Kyle Jamieson

• Bevon Jacobs

• Daryl Mitchell

• James Neesham

• Glenn Phillips

• Rachin Ravindra

• Tim Robinson

• Ish Sodhi

Santner’s tactical leadership and the presence of multi-dimensional players like Ravindra and Neesham make the Kiwis a tricky opponent on Indian pitches.

ODI Schedule: When and Where to Watch

Get your calendars ready—the ODIs will take place across three premium venues.

T20I Schedule: Night Thrillers on the Card

For the T20 lovers, here’s where all the evening fireworks will unfold:

What to Expect from the Series

Expect fireworks—literally and figuratively. Indian batters will test their aggressive approach, while the bowlers aim to strike the right rhythm before global tournaments. For New Zealand, this is about sharpening skills on spin-friendly tracks—a valuable experience heading into a busy cricketing calendar.

Fans’ Perspective: Hype, Hope, and Heartbeats

For fans, this series is much more than just cricket—it’s emotion, anticipation, and pride rolled into one. Every match will be scrutinized on social media, every innings dissected in living rooms, and every performance measured against World Cup expectations.

Similar Articles: India T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Suryakumar Yadav Leads, Gill Omitted, Rinku Back

Conclusion

The India vs New Zealand Series 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster, combining nostalgia, rivalry, and future vision. With both teams fielding competitive squads and top-notch venues hosting the games, fans are in for a thrilling January.
So, mark your dates and get the popcorn ready—because this battle between blue and black caps is about to light up the new year in style!