Here is an SEO-optimized blog article tailored for the India vs New Zealand T20 series starting in January 2026.
India vs New Zealand T20 Series 2026: Schedule, Live Streaming, Squads, and Ticket Booking Guide
The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated cricket series of the year as the Men in Blue take on the Black Caps in a high-octane five-match T20 International series. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner in February, this series serves as the final dress rehearsal for both nations. India, led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, will look to assert dominance at home, while Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side is eager to test their depth in subcontinental conditions.
For cricket fans across India, this series promises fireworks, especially with the return of key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah to the shortest format. Whether you are planning to cheer from the stands or watch from the comfort of your home, this guide provides every detail you need—from the full match schedule and squad lists to live streaming partners and ticket booking platforms.
Series Schedule and Venues
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has curated a schedule that takes the game to passionate cricketing centers across the country. The series kicks off in the heart of India, Nagpur, and travels through Raipur, Guwahati, and Visakhapatnam before concluding in the coastal city of Thiruvananthapuram. All matches are scheduled as day-night fixtures, ensuring prime-time entertainment for fans.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 1st T20I | Jan 21, 2026 (Wed) | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Jan 23, 2026 (Fri) | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Int. Stadium, Raipur | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Jan 25, 2026 (Sun) | ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati | 7:00 PM |
| 4th T20I | Jan 28, 2026 (Wed) | ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM |
| 5th T20I | Jan 31, 2026 (Sat) | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram | 7:00 PM |
India and New Zealand Squad Analysis
India’s squad for this series reflects a clear strategy of blending explosive youth with seasoned experience. Captain Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the batting charge, supported by the designated finisher Rinku Singh, whose consistency has been a major positive. The return of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan at the top of the order adds firepower, while Sanju Samson provides a solid backup option. On the bowling front, the pace attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel handling the spin department. The management has also included young guns like Harshit Rana and Abhishek Sharma to test the bench strength before the World Cup.
New Zealand arrives with a squad that is well-versed in Indian conditions, thanks to their frequent IPL stints. Skipper Mitchell Santner will play a pivotal role with his left-arm spin, choking the run flow in the middle overs. The batting lineup relies heavily on the classy Devon Conway and the versatile Rachin Ravindra, who was the breakout star of the previous year. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell add muscle to the middle order, making the Kiwis a dangerous unit that can chase down big totals.
Live Streaming and Telecast Details
Fans in India have multiple options to catch the live action. The Star Sports Network holds the broadcast rights for television, with coverage available in English, Hindi, and regional languages on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. For digital viewers, the landscape has evolved with the emergence of JioHotstar as the primary streaming destination. All five matches will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website. The platform offers features like 4K streaming and multi-cam angles for premium subscribers, ensuring you don’t miss a single delivery.
Ticket Booking Guide: How to Secure Your Seats
Demand for tickets is skyrocketing as fans rush to see their favorite stars. The ticketing partners vary by venue, so it is crucial to check the correct platform. For the series opener in Nagpur, tickets are available on the District by Zomato app. Fans in Raipur can book their spots for the second T20I via Ticketgenie, which offers a range of seating from general stands to corporate boxes.
For the third match in Guwahati and the grand finale in Thiruvananthapuram, BookMyShow is the official ticketing partner. These weekend games are expected to sell out within hours, so early booking is recommended. The fourth T20I in Visakhapatnam will see tickets sold through Paytm Insider. When booking, remember that physical ticket redemption might be mandatory at some venues, so carry a valid government ID and the booking confirmation QR code to the box office.
| Region / Country | App / Platform (about & download) |
|---|---|
| India | jio Hotstar (JioHotstar) Live sports, domestic & international cricket live streaming in India (major rights holder for many India fixtures). |
| India | SonyLIV Indian OTT platform that also carries live sports and cricket in regions where Sony has rights. |
| Gulf / MENA (UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) | beIN SPORTS / beIN CONNECT Major sports broadcaster in the MENA region; beIN apps provide live sports channels and on-demand replays. |
| Gulf / MENA | STARZPLAY / STARZ ON STARZPLAY (STARZ ON) offers streaming and some live sports in MENA — used in Gulf countries for select sports/content. |
| Gulf / MENA | OSN / OSN+ OSN+ app (OSN streaming) available across many MENA countries — carries live TV and premium sports/channels in region. |
| Australia / NZ | Kayo Sports Australia’s leading sports streaming service (covers Cricket and many international fixtures in Australia/NZ where Kayo holds rights). |
| United States / Canada | Willow TV Cricket-focused streaming service in North America — often the go-to for India matches in USA/Canada. |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports / discovery+ (TNT Sports content) UK viewers can watch TNT Sports content via TNT / discovery+ (streaming packages vary). |
FANCODE TV
| DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID | DOWNLOAD FOR IOS |
FANCODE TV
| DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID | DOWNLOAD FOR IOS |
GHD SPORTS
| DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID | DOWNLOAD FOR IOS |
HD Streamz
| DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID | DOWNLOAD FOR IOS |
Cricfy
| DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID | DOWNLOAD FOR IOS |