Finding the right stream for the India vs New Zealand series feels like a full-time job lately. You’d think in 2026, with all our "smart" everything, we wouldn't be hunting through three different apps just to see if Virat Kohli still has that cover drive. But here we are.
Honestly, the landscape has shifted. If you’re looking for ind vs nz where to watch, the old "just turn on the TV" advice is kinda dead. The 2026 tour is split across different platforms depending on whether you're sitting in a living room in Mumbai, a flat in London, or a campervan in Auckland. It's confusing.
Let's cut through the noise.
The Big Switch: Where to Stream in India
If you're in India, the most important thing to know is the JioHotstar merger. It finally happened. Gone are the days of wondering if it’s on the blue app or the red app. For this series, everything is consolidated.
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- Digital Streaming: You’re going to need the JioHotstar app. They have the exclusive digital rights for the entire 2026 home season.
- Television: On the linear side, Star Sports Network is still the king. They are broadcasting the matches across Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and their various regional language channels like Star Sports 1 Tamil and Telugu.
- The Free Catch: If you have a basic DD Free Dish setup, DD Sports usually carries the matches, but it’s often restricted to the terrestrial network. Don't rely on it if you're using a private DTH like Tata Play or Airtel.
One thing people often miss? The language feeds. The Star Sports 1 Hindi feed (Channel 281 on Airtel) has completely different commentary than the English feed (Channel 277). If you want the deep technical analysis, English is usually better. If you want the hype and the "mauka mauka" energy, stick to Hindi.
Watching from New Zealand or Australia
It’s a different story for the Kiwis. If you’re back in New Zealand trying to watch Michael Bracewell's men take on India, Sky Sport NZ is your only real home.
They’ve locked down the rights for the next six years. You can use the Sky Sport Now app if you don't want a full satellite subscription. It's pricey—around $54.99 a month—but they are the only ones with the high-bitrate 4K feed that actually makes the grass look green.
In Australia, Kayo Sports and Fox Cricket are the go-to spots. Kayo is basically the gold standard for cricket streaming because of their "Key Moments" feature. You can jump straight to the wickets if you slept through the first innings.
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Global Broadcaster List for 2026
- USA & Canada: Willow TV (Available via Sling TV or as a standalone).
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). You’ll likely need the Discovery+ app to stream it.
- South Africa: SuperSport (on the Grandstand or Cricket channels).
- Middle East: Criclife via the Starzplay app.
Why This Series Matters So Much
This isn't just another random bilateral series. This is the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Every single T20I in this January window is essentially a trial for the final squad.
We saw it in the first two ODIs. India won the opener in Vadodara thanks to a massive 93 from Virat Kohli, but then the Kiwis bounced back in Rajkot. Daryl Mitchell's century was a masterclass in playing spin on a flat deck.
The injury to Washington Sundar (rib injury) has thrown a wrench in India’s plans. Seeing uncapped Ayush Badoni get the call-up as a replacement is the kind of experimental move we expect from captain Shubman Gill. It keeps things interesting, sure, but it also makes the 3rd ODI in Indore a "must-watch" decider.
Technical Snafus: Don't Get Caught Out
I've seen so many people complain that their stream is "lagging" when it's actually just their settings. If you’re watching on JioHotstar, check your "Data Saver" settings. It defaults to 480p way too often.
Also, a weird quirk of the 2026 broadcast: the "Stump Cam" audio is much louder this year. If you have a soundbar, you might want to turn down the bass, or every ball hitting the pads will sound like a cannon going off.
Match Timings You Need to Save
- 3rd ODI (Indore): January 18 – 1:30 PM IST / 9:00 PM NZDT.
- 1st T20I (Nagpur): January 21 – 7:00 PM IST / 2:30 AM NZDT.
- 2nd T20I (Raipur): January 23 – 7:00 PM IST.
- 3rd T20I (Guwahati): January 25 – 7:00 PM IST.
The T20s start much later. If you’re in New Zealand, you’re looking at some very late nights or very early mornings. Stock up on coffee.
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Actionable Steps for the Next Match
Before the 3rd ODI starts in Indore, do these three things to ensure you don't miss the first ball.
- Update the App: JioHotstar pushed a major update on January 10. If you haven't opened it since then, your app might force an update right at 1:29 PM. Do it now.
- Check the DTH Balance: If you're on Airtel or Tata Play, ensure your "Sports Pack" hasn't expired. It's a classic mistake to realize your subscription ended exactly when the toss happens.
- Set the Audio: Switch to the "Stadium" audio feed if you're tired of the commentary. Most broadcasters now offer a "no-commentary" mode where you just hear the crowd and the ball on the bat. It’s a game-changer.
The rivalry between these two is at an all-time high. India wants revenge for that 2nd ODI loss, and New Zealand smells blood. Get your screens ready.