Team India is set to embark on one of their most gruelling and comprehensive overseas assignments in recent years, locking horns with New Zealand in a multi-format, 40-day tour. The marquee bilateral series features a sprawling schedule of 12 matches across 5 iconic Kiwi venues, comprising 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, and 2 Tests.

The high-octane tour swings into motion on October 22, 2026, kicking off a bumper block of white-ball fixtures before transitioning into a rigorous red-ball finish.

Split Captaincy Headline ODI Leg

Selectors have continued with a dynamic leadership structure, particularly for the rare five-match ODI leg. Shubman Gill will take charge as captain for the opening three 50-over fixtures, steering the side through Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton. Leadership will then transition to Shreyas Iyer, who will captain the side for the final two ODIs at Mount Maunganui.

The series also presents a major tactical trial for India’s white-ball depth and top-order resilience against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack known to exploit home seam and swing conditions.

Complete Tour Fixtures & Schedule

All times are listed in Indian Standard Time (IST) alongside local New Zealand timings.

1. T20I Series (5 Matches)

Match Timing: 12:30 PM IST / 8:00 PM NZDT

MatchDateVenueTime (IST)
1st T20IOctober 22, 2026Hagley Oval, Christchurch12:30 PM
2nd T20IOctober 24, 2026Hagley Oval, Christchurch12:30 PM
3rd T20IOctober 27, 2026Sky Stadium, Wellington12:30 PM
4th T20IOctober 30, 2026Eden Park, Auckland12:30 PM
5th T20INovember 01, 2026Seddon Park, Hamilton12:30 PM

2. ODI Series (5 Matches)

Match Timing: 7:30 AM IST / 3:00 PM NZDT

MatchDateVenueCaptain (IND)Time (IST)
1st ODINovember 04, 2026Eden Park, AucklandShubman Gill7:30 AM
2nd ODINovember 07, 2026Sky Stadium, WellingtonShubman Gill7:30 AM
3rd ODINovember 10, 2026Seddon Park, HamiltonShubman Gill7:30 AM
4th ODINovember 13, 2026Bay Oval, Mount MaunganuiShreyas Iyer7:30 AM
5th ODINovember 15, 2026Bay Oval, Mount MaunganuiShreyas Iyer7:30 AM

3. Test Series (2 Matches)

Match Timing: 3:30 AM IST / 11:00 AM NZDT

MatchDateVenueTime (IST)
1st TestNov 19 – Nov 23, 2026Basin Reserve, Wellington3:30 AM
2nd TestNov 27 – Dec 01, 2026Hagley Oval, Christchurch3:30 AM

Conditions and Expectations

The tour promises contrasting phases for the visiting side. While the early T20I block under lights will test power-hitting and death bowling on compact grounds like Eden Park and Hagley Oval, the spotlight will squarely pivot to the traditional format late in November.

The two-match Test series—starting at the historic Basin Reserve before heading to Christchurch—brings high stakes for technique against lateral movement. Cricket pundits anticipate lively surfaces that will rigorously examine India's application against the swinging ball.