Honestly, the india vs new zealand schedule is a bit of a marathon. If you've been trying to keep track of where the Men in Blue are headed next, you’re not alone in feeling slightly dazed by the sheer volume of cricket. We’re currently in the thick of a massive white-ball feast that’s essentially a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup happening later this February.
It’s easy to think this is just another bilateral series. It isn't.
With the 2nd ODI currently underway in Rajkot today (January 14, 2026), the pressure is mounting. Most people assume these mid-January matches are just about winning trophies. In reality, the BCCI is using this specific window to answer one burning question: can Shubman Gill lead a transition-era team against a Black Caps side that, even without Kane Williamson, remains the most disciplined unit in the world?
Breaking Down the 2026 India vs New Zealand Schedule
The tour is split into two distinct halves. We start with the 50-over games before diving into a rapid-fire T20I sequence. If you're looking for the exact dates to mark on your calendar, here is how the rest of the month shakes out.
The ODI Leg: Wrapping Up the Power Play
The first match in Vadodara on January 11th already set the tone. It was a historic moment, honestly, as the city hosted its first men’s international in about 15 years. Now, the caravan has moved to Saurashtra.
Today, January 14: The 2nd ODI is happening right now at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. New Zealand won the toss and chose to field, and as of the last update, India’s top order was looking solid.
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January 18: The final ODI takes place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. This ground is notorious for being a "batter's paradise." Expect some massive scores here as the series potentially reaches a decider. All these matches have a start time of 1:30 PM IST.
The T20I Blitz: Preparing for the Big Stage
Once the 50-over stuff is done, the intensity shifts. The india vs new zealand schedule for the T20s is relentless, covering five matches in just ten days. This is the part of the tour that actually matters for the upcoming World Cup.
The T20Is all kick off at 7:00 PM IST:
- January 21: 1st T20I at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
- January 23: 2nd T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.
- January 25: 3rd T20I at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati.
- January 28: 4th T20I at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
- January 31: 5th T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
Why This Schedule Is a Headache for Selectors
Selection is a mess right now. But a good kind of mess.
Shubman Gill is captaining the ODI side, but Suryakumar Yadav takes the reigns for the T20Is. This split-captaincy model is being tested heavily during this window. You’ve also got the injury factor. Rishabh Pant was unfortunately ruled out of the ODIs just before the first ball was bowled, leading to Dhruv Jurel’s inclusion. Then Washington Sundar went down with a rib injury, bringing Ayush Badoni into the mix for a maiden call-up.
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New Zealand is in a similar boat. Michael Bracewell is leading a squad that's missing the veteran presence of Mitchell Santner and Williamson. For them, the india vs new zealand schedule is a trial by fire in subcontinental conditions. If they can steal a couple of wins in Raipur or Guwahati, they’ll enter the World Cup with a massive psychological edge.
Surprising Venue Choices and Local Buzz
One thing that stands out about this schedule is the "small-town" focus.
The BCCI didn't pick Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata for this tour. Instead, they’ve gone for places like Rajkot, Indore, and Raipur. Why? Because these venues often provide flatter tracks that mimic the high-scoring environments expected in the upcoming ICC tournament. Also, the crowd energy in Vadodara was insane—proving that there is a massive hunger for international cricket outside the traditional "Big Three" cities.
Watching the Action: Where to Tune In
If you’re trying to catch the games live, it’s pretty straightforward. Star Sports has the television rights, and for everyone on the move, the JioHotstar app is the place to be.
Keep in mind that the T20I matches start much later in the evening compared to the ODIs. If you’re planning a watch party for the Thiruvananthapuram finale on the 31st, remember that 7:00 PM start time.
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Key Insights for Fans
This isn't just a series; it's a sorting hat. Watch the performances of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy closely. These guys are fighting for a permanent spot in the T20 roster.
The most important thing to watch is how the Indian bowlers handle the dew in the later T20I matches. Places like Guwahati and Nagpur can get very slick in late January, which will be a massive factor in the 2026 World Cup.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the Rajkot Score: If you're reading this on January 14, the 2nd ODI is live. Check the latest scorecard to see if India’s middle order can hold up after the initial start.
- Book Your Tickets: If you’re near Visakhapatnam or Thiruvananthapuram, tickets for the final two T20Is are still popping up on platforms like Ticombo and BookMyShow, but they’re going fast.
- Watch the Dew Factor: During the Nagpur T20I on the 21st, pay attention to the toss. In January, the "bowl first" advantage in India is massive, and it will likely decide the winner of the opening T20 match.
The india vs new zealand schedule wraps up on the last day of January, giving the players exactly one week of breathing room before the World Cup begins on February 7th. It’s tight, it’s tense, and it’s exactly the kind of preparation the team needs.