India Likely to Host New Zealand for White-Ball Series in January 2026
In a significant development for global cricket fans, India is set to host New Zealand for a white-ball series in January 2026, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI). The tour is expected to feature 8 matches — comprising 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is — although the venues are yet to be finalised.
Kiwis Set for Crucial India Tour
The upcoming tour presents a vital opportunity for the Black Caps to acclimatize to Indian conditions ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will also be hosted in India. The five-match T20I series will serve as an excellent dress rehearsal for both teams, especially for New Zealand, whose recent outings in the subcontinent have been mixed.
The three ODIs, on the other hand, will allow both India and New Zealand to assess their 50-over squads as they start building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. The white-ball series is scheduled to begin on January 11 and conclude on January 30, giving players enough time to rest and recover before the global events ahead.
Will There Be Test Matches?
At present, there are no Test matches scheduled as part of this tour. The plan is to strictly focus on the white-ball formats. However, insiders suggest that things could change as the tour nears, depending on the FTP calendar and player workloads.
What Happened During the Last NZ Tour of India?
The last time New Zealand toured India was in 2024, and it turned out to be a historic visit for the Black Caps. In a stunning display, New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 in a Test series — a first for them on Indian soil. That series significantly derailed India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, as Rohit Sharma’s side failed to recover, later losing to Australia and crashing out of the WTC final race.
While this 2026 tour does not feature any Tests, the Indian team will undoubtedly be hungry for revenge, especially after the 2024 humiliation. The white-ball leg will be seen as a chance to reassert dominance at home and regain psychological edge over the Kiwis.
What’s at Stake?
- T20I Series: Crucial preparation for T20 World Cup 2026.
- ODI Series: Strategic groundwork for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Revenge Factor: India eyeing redemption after 2024 Test whitewash.
- Form Check: Players like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen will be closely watched as both teams finalize their core squads for upcoming ICC events.
With India hosting a major ICC event in 2026, every white-ball series on home soil becomes a critical learning curve. The New Zealand tour is likely to offer high-octane competition, player rivalries, and perhaps a glimpse into the future stars of international cricket.
Stay tuned as BCCI and NZC finalize the official schedule and venues for what promises to be an exciting bilateral white-ball series in early 2026.
