India set for Test match return in New Zealand after 7 years as NZC announce home schedule

India will embark on a massive multi-format tour of New Zealand later this year, with the two sides set to contest five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches across five major centres in the country. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the 12-match series will be the biggest inbound international tour in the board's history.The tour, scheduled from October to December 2026, will mark India's first Test assignment in New Zealand since the 2019-20 season. It will also be the Men in Blue's first white-ball tour of the country since 2022.The white-ball leg will begin with a five-match T20I series on October 22 in Christchurch before moving through Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton. The action will then shift to the 50-over format, with five ODIs scheduled across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Tauranga.The tour will conclude with two Test matches, with Wellington's Basin Reserve hosting the opening Test from November 19 to 23, while Christchurch's Hagley Oval will stage the second and final Test from November 27 to December 1.The ODI series could provide New Zealand fans with a chance to watch Indian stalwarts such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who continue to feature in the 50-over format. With the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for 2027, the five-match ODI series is expected to serve as crucial preparation for both teams.India and New Zealand last met in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where India successfully defended their title with a commanding victory. The upcoming tour is expected to add another exciting chapter to the growing rivalry between the two cricketing nations.T20Is form 22 OCT to 1 NovODIs from 4 Nov to 15 Nov1st Test - 19-23 November, Wellington2nd Test - 27 November-1 December 2026, Christchurch