India vs New Zealand ODI & T20I Series 2026: India and New Zealand are set to face each other in an eight-match limited-overs series beginning January 11, 2026, and running through January 31. The tour includes three One-Day Internationals followed by five Twenty20 Internationals, to be played across multiple venues in India.
The series comes at a crucial phase, with India preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. While the BCCI has announced India’s T20I squad, the ODI squad is yet to be named. New Zealand have already confirmed squads for both formats.
Key Takeaways: India vs New Zealand Series 2026
- Eight-match limited-overs series from January 11 to January 31
- Three ODIs followed by five T20Is across eight Indian cities
- India’s ODI squad yet to be announced; T20I squad already named
- New Zealand announce both ODI and T20I squads in advance
- ODI matches scheduled in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore
- T20Is to be played in Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram
Series Overview and Context
India and New Zealand will square off in an eight-match limited-overs series starting January 11. The tour comprises three One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals, concluding on January 31. The series holds added importance as it falls immediately ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
The ODI leg is expected to attract significant attention, with senior players set to return to the 50-over format. Meanwhile, the T20I series serves as a final trial phase for India’s preparations ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence.
India’s ODI Squad Status and Selection Timeline
India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series is yet to be announced. The squad is expected to assemble in Vadodara on January 7, four days before the opening ODI. The selection committee is expected to convene an online meeting around January 3 or 4 to finalise the ODI squad for the home series.
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The ODI leg gains prominence with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to make their return to the format following the South Africa series, adding experience to the 50-over setup.
Full ODI Schedule: Dates, Venues, and Timings
The three-match ODI series will be played across three venues, with all matches scheduled for afternoon starts.
- 1st ODI
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
- Time: 1:30 PM IST
- 2nd ODI
- Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot
- Time: 1:30 PM IST
- 3rd ODI
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
- Time: 1:30 PM IST
T20I Series as World Cup Preparation
The T20I leg of the tour serves as a key preparation phase for the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side as it gears up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament less than a month away, the five-match T20I series provides an opportunity to finalise combinations and assess form.
Unlike the ODI squad, the BCCI has already announced India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series.
Full T20I Schedule: Venues and Match Timings
All five T20 Internationals are scheduled as evening fixtures.
- 1st T20I
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- 2nd T20I
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- 3rd T20I
- Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- 4th T20I
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Venue: ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- 5th T20I
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
New Zealand Squads Announced for Both Formats
New Zealand have already announced squads for both the ODI and T20I legs of the tour.
New Zealand ODI Squad vs India
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
New Zealand T20I Squad vs India
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
India’s T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
India’s T20I squad has already been named for the five-match series.
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
What Lies Ahead in the Series
With the ODI squad announcement pending and the T20I squad already in place, attention now turns to the selection committee’s meeting in early January. The series presents an important phase for both teams, with India balancing experience and preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand arrive with confirmed squads and defined leadership for both formats.
Mental Balance Beyond Physical Fitness
In professional sport, physical fitness remains essential, but mental balance is equally important. Competitive pressure, defeat, or on-field conflict often tests an athlete’s inner stability. At such moments, spiritual understanding is often cited as a source of calm and clarity. Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji’s guidance that helps individuals remain peaceful, focused, and aligned with their true purpose, even during success or failure.
This perspective emphasises that mental peace is not limited to results but comes from deeper awareness. According to spiritual belief, lasting peace is attained only when a person recognises the Supreme Power, a truth described in scriptures, and understands life’s broader objective beyond temporary outcomes.
FAQs on India vs New Zealand ODI & T20I Series 2026
Q1. When does the India vs New Zealand series begin?
The series begins on January 11, 2026, and concludes on January 31.
Q2. How many matches are in the series?
The series includes three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.
Q3. Has India announced its ODI squad?
No, India’s ODI squad is yet to be announced.
Q4. Who leads India in the T20I series?
Suryakumar Yadav leads India in the T20I series.
Q5. Which cities will host the T20I matches?
Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram host the T20Is.
