India’s New Zealand tour will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests from October 22 to December 1, marking the largest bilateral cricket series ever hosted by New Zealand.

Biggest Bilateral Tour Yet

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled the schedule for India’s landmark tour of New Zealand later this year, with the two sides set to contest 12 international matches across 40 days. The all-format series, running from October 22 to December 1, is being described as the largest men’s bilateral cricket tour ever staged in New Zealand in terms of total matches.

The tour will begin with a five-match T20I series before moving into five One-Day Internationals and concluding with a two-Test series that could have significant implications for the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Busy Build-Up To World Cup

The ODI leg of the series assumes added importance as both teams continue preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The five-match ODI series will be played between November 4 and November 15 across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.

For the Shubman Gill-led Indian side, the tour represents one of the most demanding overseas assignments on the calendar. The team is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand shortly after completing a home white-ball series against the West Indies.

With five ODIs in New Zealand, India’s total number of 50-over internationals in 2026 will rise significantly. The Men in Blue are expected to play 17 ODIs during the calendar year as they build towards the next global tournament cycle.

Return Of Test Cricket

One of the major talking points of the tour is the return of Test cricket between the two nations. India have not played a Test series in New Zealand since 2019, making this their first red-ball assignment in the country in seven years.

The two Tests, scheduled in Wellington and Christchurch, are expected to carry substantial weight in the race for qualification to the World Test Championship final. Both teams are likely to view the series as a crucial opportunity to collect valuable points.

The white-ball leg is also notable, as it marks India’s first limited-overs tour of New Zealand since 2022.

Centenary Sporting Celebration

Beyond cricket, the tour will form part of celebrations marking 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand. NZC officials have indicated that several cultural and community initiatives are planned alongside the matches.

According to New Zealand Cricket, the tour is intended to highlight the long-standing relationship between the two countries while showcasing one of international cricket’s most competitive rivalries.

The prospect of Indian stars such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah featuring in the series is also expected to generate significant fan interest across New Zealand venues.

Rivalry Gains Fresh Edge

The series comes against the backdrop of a fiercely contested rivalry. Earlier this year, New Zealand secured their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil, winning 2-1. The Black Caps had also registered a memorable Test series sweep against India in previous meetings.

However, India have enjoyed the upper hand in major ICC tournaments. The Men in Blue have defeated New Zealand in several high-profile knockout matches in recent years, including the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final, the 2024 Champions Trophy final and the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

Those results have added another layer of intrigue to what is expected to be one of the most closely watched bilateral series of the year.

Full Tour Schedule

T20I Series

• October 22 – Christchurch

• October 24 – Christchurch

• October 27 – Wellington

• October 30 – Auckland

• November 1 – Hamilton

ODI Series

• November 4 – Auckland

• November 7 – Wellington

• November 10 – Hamilton

• November 13 – Mount Maunganui

• November 15 – Mount Maunganui

Test Series

• November 19–23 – Wellington

• November 27–December 1 – Christchurch

Eyes On Long Season

With 12 matches spread across multiple formats, the India-New Zealand tour is expected to test squad depth, workload management and adaptability. For both sides, the series offers an opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of future ICC events while also strengthening a rivalry that continues to produce memorable contests.