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The 2026 cricket calendar isn't easing us in—it’s kicking off with a massive 8-match marathon. India hosts New Zealand this January for three ODIs and five T20Is, and the stakes are higher than a typical bilateral series. With the T20 World Cup just weeks away (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February), this isn't just about winning a trophy; it’s the final audition for the main event.
The ODI Leg: Legends and New Leaders
The series opens on January 11th with a slice of history: the first-ever men's international match at the new stadium in Vadodara.
The team dynamic is going to be fascinating to watch. You have Shubman Gill wearing the captain’s armband, leading a squad that includes veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It’s a rare sight—the "Prince" leading the Kings—but with Rohit and Virat in stellar domestic form, their return adds serious weight to the batting order. They provide the stability, while Gill, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will look to dominate the middle overs.
For New Zealand, captain Michael Bracewell has a tough job. The Kiwis are known for spoiling India’s parties, but without some of their older icons, the pressure will be on all-rounders like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips to stop the Indian juggernaut at home.
ODI Venues to Watch:
- Jan 11: Vadodara (Series Opener)
- Jan 14: Rajkot
- Jan 18: Indore (Expect a run-fest here)
T20Is: The Road to the World Cup
Once the ODIs wrap up, the vibe shifts completely. The 5-match T20I series is effectively Team India's training camp for the World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav takes over the captaincy here. SKY’s India is aggressive and fearless, a style they’ll need to perfect before February. This leg of the tour is a grind, traveling through Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and finishing in Thiruvananthapuram.
Historically, India dominates the Kiwis in T20s at home (14 wins to 10), but Mitchell Santner’s squad is gritty. In these evening games, the toss and the dew factor will likely dictate the results more than the team sheets.
Why This Matters
Let’s be real—usually, a January bilateral series feels like a warm-up. But with a World Cup on the horizon, every ball counts. We are looking at final roster spots being decided in real-time.
Whether you are in the stands in Guwahati or watching on JioHotstar, keep an eye on the intent. India isn't just playing to beat New Zealand; they are playing to prove they are ready to lift the World Cup at home next month.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does the India vs New Zealand 2026 series start?
A: The series kicks off on January 11, 2026, with the first ODI at the new stadium in Vadodara.
Q: Where can I watch IND vs NZ 2026 live?
A: You can watch the matches live on Star Sports channels on TV. For online streaming, the series will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
Q: Who is the captain of Team India for this series?
A: India has split captaincy for this tour. Shubman Gill will lead the team in the ODIs, while Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side for the T20I series.
Q: Is Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in this series?
A: Yes, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been named in the ODI squad to prepare for the upcoming major tournaments.
Q: What are the venues for the T20 matches?
A: The five T20Is will be played in Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
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