New Zealand Cricket has announced its 2026-27 international home schedule, and India’s blockbuster all-format tour sits right at the centre. Team India will play 12 matches across five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests from October 22 to December 1, making it the largest inbound tour in NZC history by total matches.
After India, Sri Lanka visit for another all-format tour starting January 16, while the White Ferns host Bangladesh in December. In total, the summer features up to 41 days of international cricket across eight New Zealand cities.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Complete Schedule
Here’s the full confirmed fixture list for India’s historic tour:
T20I Series (October 22 – November 2)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 22 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | October 24 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 3rd T20I | October 27 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington |
| 4th T20I | October 30 | Venue TBC |
| 5th T20I | November 2 | Venue TBC |
ODI Series (November 5 – 15)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | November 5 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington |
| 2nd ODI | November 8 | Venue TBC |
| 3rd ODI | November 11 | Venue TBC |
| 4th ODI | November 13 | Venue TBC |
| 5th ODI | November 15 | Venue TBC |
Test Series (November 19 – December 1)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 19-23 | Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 2nd Test | November 27 – Dec 1 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
Christchurch opens the tour with back-to-back T20Is and also hosts the second Test. Wellington gets the first Test at the Basin Reserve, plus a T20I and an ODI. Remaining venues across Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Tauranga, and Mount Maunganui will be confirmed shortly.
Why Is This Tour Historic for New Zealand?
Three reasons make this unprecedented.
First, 12 matches against a single touring side has never happened before in New Zealand. The previous largest inbound tour featured far fewer fixtures. NZC Chief Marketing Officer Glenn Critchley called it “the biggest cricket event in this country in a generation.”
Second, it marks the first time India will play Tests in New Zealand since 2019-20, when the Blackcaps swept India 2-0 on seaming wickets in Wellington and Christchurch. That series exposed India’s weaknesses against quality pace in overcast conditions and remains a sore point for Indian fans.
Third, the timing coincides with 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, dating back to the Indian hockey team’s tour in 1926. The New Zealand Government is officially supporting the cricket tour as part of these centenary celebrations. Sports Minister Mark Mitchell was present at the schedule launch in Auckland.
What’s At Stake In The Test Series?
Everything related to the WTC 2025-27 final at Lord’s.
India’s two Tests in New Zealand are among their last remaining WTC cycle matches. After the Sri Lanka away series in August, these two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch will likely determine whether India qualify for the 2027 WTC final.
Historically, India have struggled badly in New Zealand. They haven’t won a Test series there since 2009 and were blanked 0-2 on their last visit. The conditions, with green tops, lateral movement, and the Dukes ball, test India’s batting like few other venues.
For Shubman Gill’s side, winning at least one Test here would be a significant statement. Losing both could end India’s WTC hopes entirely.
What Does India’s Schedule Look Like Around This Tour?
The New Zealand tour slots into the second half of an exhausting 2026 for Indian cricket:
- June: Afghanistan Test and ODIs (India)
- Late June: Ireland T20Is (Dublin)
- July 1-19: England tour (5 T20Is, 3 ODIs)
- Late August: 2 Tests in Sri Lanka
- September: Asian Games cricket (Nagoya)
- Oct 22 – Dec 1: New Zealand tour (5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, 2 Tests)
- December: Sri Lanka white-ball series at home
India will essentially play non-stop cricket from June to December, with the New Zealand tour being the longest single assignment in that stretch. Managing workload for senior players like Bumrah, Gill, Pant, and Jaiswal across 12 matches in 41 days will be one of the biggest challenges for the coaching staff.
For New Zealand fans, this is the summer they’ve been waiting for. And for Indian fans, it’s a chance to settle a few old scores on grounds where the Blackcaps have historically dominated.
