India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026: Date, Time, Venue, Squads, Playing XI and Live Score
India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026
New Zealand will host India in the first Test of their 2026–27 international series at Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to November 23, 2026. The match will begin a two-Test series following the five-match T20I and five-match ODI legs of India’s tour.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026 will be an important contest for both sides in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. New Zealand will look to use home conditions to its advantage, while India will aim to build a strong start to the red-ball leg of the tour.
India have announced their Test squad under captain Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul named vice-captain. New Zealand’s final Test squad and the confirmed playing XIs should be added when officially announced.
In this complete IND vs NZ 1st Test match guide, find the match date, start time in India, venue details, announced Indian squad, New Zealand squad status, probable playing XI, pitch report, weather updates, head-to-head information and live-score links.
India vs New Zealand 5th ODI 2026
India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026: Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs India, 1st Test |
| Series | India tour of New Zealand 2026–27 |
| Format | Test cricket |
| Start date | Thursday, 19 November 2026 |
| Scheduled finish | Monday, 23 November 2026 |
| Start time | 3:30 AM IST |
| New Zealand local start time | 11:00 AM NZDT |
| Venue | Cello Basin Reserve |
| City | Wellington, New Zealand |
| India captain | Shubman Gill |
| India vice-captain | KL Rahul |
| New Zealand captain | Awaiting official confirmation |
| Toss | To be updated |
| Playing XIs | To be confirmed |
| Result | To be updated |
The match is scheduled for five days. Test matches can finish earlier if a result is achieved, while a draw remains possible if neither team secures victory within the available time.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026 Live Score
Follow the match through official and established cricket coverage providers. The toss, playing XIs, innings scores, wickets, overs, partnerships, session updates and final result can be added to this section during the match.
Official BCCI Match Centre:
New Zealand vs India — 1st Test, Wellington
BCCI Match Details and Scorecard:
View the official match details
Alternative live coverage:
Follow India vs New Zealand on Indian Swan
Live streaming in India: Sony Sports Network is listed for television coverage and SonyLIV for streaming of New Zealand home internationals. Check the provider’s current schedule for the specific match.
Live scores and streaming availability depend on the providers’ coverage and updates.
India Test Squad for the New Zealand Tour 2026–27
India have announced a 16-member squad for the two-Test series. Shubman Gill will lead the side, with KL Rahul as vice-captain.
India’s announced Test squad
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (Vice-captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)*
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
Rishabh Pant’s selection is subject to fitness clearance.
The squad includes specialist batters, wicketkeepers, pace bowlers, spin options and all-rounders. India’s final playing XI will depend on fitness, conditions and the team’s strategy for the Wellington Test.
Key Indian players to watch
Shubman Gill: As captain, Gill will have an important role in setting the team’s batting approach and managing the bowling resources.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: His role at the top of the order will be important in helping India negotiate the new ball and establish partnerships.
KL Rahul: Rahul’s experience and vice-captaincy responsibilities could be valuable in challenging overseas conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah’s pace, accuracy and ability to create pressure with the new and old ball make him an important player to follow.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja offers left-arm spin, batting depth and athletic fielding, giving India flexibility in its Test combination.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj could play an important role in maintaining pressure through sustained spells of fast bowling.
New Zealand Test Squad for the 1st Test
Official squad: Awaiting confirmation in the BCCI match-centre information checked for this article.
New Zealand’s final squad should be added here after New Zealand Cricket publishes its official selection. Until then, a predicted list of players must not be presented as the confirmed team.
The final New Zealand playing XI will be especially important because the hosts will have the opportunity to select a combination suited to Wellington’s conditions.
India vs New Zealand Tour 2026-27: Full Squads & Schedule
What to watch in New Zealand’s selection
- The opening batting combination and its ability to handle India’s fast bowlers.
- The balance between specialist batters and all-rounders.
- The selection of seam bowlers for the Wellington surface.
- The role of spin bowling as the match progresses.
- Any injury updates or late squad changes announced before the first Test.
This section should be updated once the official New Zealand Test squad becomes available.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026: Probable Playing XI
The following India lineup is an editorial prediction based on the announced squad, not an official selection. New Zealand’s probable XI should be prepared after its squad is confirmed.
India probable playing XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)*
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
Rishabh Pant’s availability remains subject to fitness clearance. Dhruv Jurel is a wicketkeeping option, while Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and other squad members could be considered depending on the conditions.
Selection note: This is a provisional combination, not a prediction of the final XI with certainty. The confirmed lineup should replace it after the toss.
New Zealand probable playing XI
To be updated after the official New Zealand Test squad is announced.
It is better to publish a fact-checked lineup closer to the match than to list players without confirmation of squad selection or availability.
Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington: Venue Guide
Cello Basin Reserve is a historic cricket ground in Wellington, New Zealand, and will host the opening Test of India’s 2026–27 tour.
The ground’s conditions can make the contest between bat and ball particularly interesting. Wellington’s weather and the condition of the surface can influence how teams approach their innings and manage their bowling resources.
Pitch Report
Official pitch report: Awaited.
The match-day pitch inspection will provide the most useful information about the surface. The final report should examine:
- The amount of grass and moisture on the pitch.
- Whether the surface is expected to offer seam movement.
- How the pitch may behave as the match progresses.
- Whether batting first or bowling first appears preferable based on the actual conditions.
A five-day Test can change significantly between sessions. Early movement, batting partnerships, wear on the surface and the effectiveness of spin bowling may all become relevant.
The toss and the pitch inspection should be used to update this section before the match begins.
Wellington Weather Report for the 1st Test
Official match-week forecast: To be updated closer to November 19, 2026.
Weather can be an important factor in a Test match in Wellington. Rain, wind, cloud cover and changes in temperature may influence playing conditions and the number of overs completed.
The weather section should be updated using a reliable forecast during match week. A long-range prediction should not be treated as a confirmed five-day forecast.
Readers should check for:
- Rain probability during each day’s scheduled play.
- Cloud cover and possible assistance for seam bowling.
- Wind conditions.
- Temperature during the morning and afternoon sessions.
India vs New Zealand Test Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have a long history in Test cricket, with matches played in both countries under very different conditions.
New Zealand’s home conditions can provide challenges for visiting teams, particularly when the surface and weather assist seam bowling. India, meanwhile, will aim to combine disciplined batting with a varied bowling attack.
Overall Test Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 65
- India Won: 22
- New Zealand Won: 16
- Drawn: 27
- Tied: 0
Venue-Wise Breakdown
| Venue Type | Played | Won by India | Won by New Zealand | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In India | 39 | 17 | 5 | 17 |
| In New Zealand | 25 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| Neutral Venue | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Recent Series Context
- New Zealand made history in October–November 2024 by whitewashing India 3-0 in a three-match Test series on Indian soil (winning in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai/Wankhede).
- The two teams are scheduled to play a 2-match Test series in November 2026 in New Zealand (at Basin Reserve, Wellington and Hagley Park South, Christchurch) as part of an upcoming multi-format tour.
Key factors that could decide the match
Opening partnerships: The first-wicket stand can help set the tone for each innings.
Handling the new ball: Both teams will need to negotiate the early overs carefully against the opposition’s seam attack.
Bowling discipline: Maintaining a consistent line and length will be important over long spells.
Middle-order contributions: Partnerships after the first few wickets can determine whether a team reaches a competitive total.
Weather and lost overs: Interruptions can affect declarations, follow-on decisions and the time available to force a result.
India vs New Zealand Test Series 2026: Full Schedule
| Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 19–23 November 2026 | Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 2nd Test | 27 November–1 December 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
The first Test begins on November 19, followed by the second Test from November 27. The series will conclude the Test leg of India’s 2026–27 tour of New Zealand.
India Cricket Schedule 2026 – 2027 : Next Match, Fixtures & Upcoming Series
India vs New Zealand Tour 2026–27: Complete Schedule
| Format | Matches | Scheduled period |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | 5 | 22 October–1 November 2026 |
| ODI | 5 | 4–15 November 2026 |
| Test | 2 | 19 November–1 December 2026 |
India’s tour covers all three international formats. The Test series follows the white-ball matches and will place greater emphasis on patience, sustained bowling spells and adapting to conditions over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026?
The first Test is scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 19, 2026, and continue through November 23 if a result is not reached earlier.
What time does the first Test start in India?
The scheduled start time is 3:30 AM Indian Standard Time.
Where will the first Test be played?
The match will take place at Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.
Who is India’s captain for the first Test?
Shubman Gill is India’s Test captain, with KL Rahul named vice-captain.
Has New Zealand announced its Test squad?
New Zealand’s squad was not available in the BCCI match-centre information checked for this article. The official team list should be added after New Zealand Cricket publishes it.
Has India announced its Test squad?
Yes. India have announced a 16-member squad, including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj.
Where can I watch the first Test live in India?
Sony Sports Network is listed for television coverage and SonyLIV for streaming of New Zealand home internationals in India. Check the provider’s current schedule and availability before the match.
Where can I follow the live score?
Follow the official BCCI match centre for match details and available score updates.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026: Final Preview
The India vs New Zealand 1st Test 2026 will open the red-ball leg of the tour at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve. With Shubman Gill leading India, the visitors will aim to begin the Test series strongly, while New Zealand will look to make the most of home conditions.
The final playing XIs, pitch report, weather forecast and New Zealand’s confirmed squad will provide a clearer picture as the match approaches.
Bookmark this page for updates on the toss, confirmed teams, live score, session summaries, full scorecard and match result.
For more cricket news, match previews and post-match reports, follow IndianSwan’s coverage of India’s tour of New Zealand 2026–27.
India vs New Zealand 2nd Test 2026
✍️ About the Author
Fanish Jha
Fanish Jha is a digital publisher, website creator, and content editor focused on creating useful online resources for Indian audiences. He is the founder and editor of Pincode Of India, Jobs.PincodeOfIndia, Indian Swan, and Gaon Express.
His work includes website development, digital publishing, SEO, content research, and managing online platforms across postal information, government resources, e-commerce, and local services.
He aims to make online information clear, useful, accessible, and easy to understand.
Founder & Editor — Fanish Jha
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