India begin five-match T20I series in New Zealand on October 22
India start a full-format tour of New Zealand with a five-match T20I series on October 22. The itinerary also includes five ODIs and two Tests through early December.
India open a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 22. The tour also includes five ODIs and two Tests, marking the team's first all-format assignment since the summer. The T20I series serves as preparation for the 2028 T20 World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host.
Shreyas Iyer leads the T20I squad. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are expected to open, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi competing for a place. Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns after nearly four years away, adding experience to a bowling attack that features several new faces. The first three ODIs are led by Shubman Gill before Shreyas Iyer takes over for the final two. Shubman Gill also captains the Test side.
The T20I fixtures run from October 22 to November 1 across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The ODIs begin on November 4, and the Tests start on November 19.
CricHubb Take
The compressed schedule leaves little room for acclimatisation, so the value of players who have toured New Zealand before rises sharply in selection decisions.