India’s tour of New Zealand begins today with the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and the build-up has been dominated by one selection question. Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old who lit up the IPL last year, has travelled with the squad, but captain Shreyas Iyer made it clear on the eve of the match that the youngster will have to wait for his turn.
“It is not like he can walk in right now, because our openers are scoring consistently, and they have won the World Cup,” Iyer told reporters on Wednesday, backing the established opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
The five-match T20I series, starting at 12:30 PM IST today, is India’s first bilateral series after a mixed run since lifting the T20 World Cup earlier this year. With Jasprit Bumrah rested and Hardik Pandya out with a fresh injury, the contest is also a test of India’s bench strength in unfamiliar conditions.
When and where to watch India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
The series opener will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, today, Thursday, October 22. The toss is scheduled for 12:00 PM IST, and the first ball will be bowled at 12:30 PM IST (8:00 PM local time in New Zealand).
Indian fans can watch the match live on the Sony Sports Network television channels, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website. Commentary will be available in English and Hindi, with Tamil, Telugu and Kannada feeds on the network’s regional channels.
The full schedule: five T20Is, then ODIs and Tests
All five T20Is will begin at 12:30 PM IST:
- 1st T20I: October 22, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 2nd T20I: October 24, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 3rd T20I: October 27, Wellington
- 4th T20I: October 30, Eden Park, Auckland
- 5th T20I: November 1, Seddon Park, Hamilton
The tour is a long one. After the T20Is, the teams play five ODIs from November 4 to November 15, followed by two Tests beginning November 19 and November 27.
A World Cup final rematch
This will be the first time the two sides meet in T20Is since the World Cup final earlier this year, which India won by 96 runs. India hold the edge in the overall head-to-head record, but New Zealand at home, in conditions that assist fast bowlers, are a different proposition. Skipper Mitchell Santner expects the Christchurch pitch to offer early movement before flattening out.
Sooryavanshi’s wait, and why Iyer is in no hurry
The most talked-about talking point of the tour is the teenager who cannot stop making headlines. Since being picked for the England and Ireland tours earlier this year, Sooryavanshi has featured in only eight of the 21 T20Is India have played in 2026, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson locking down the opening slots after their key roles in the World Cup triumph.
Iyer, though, was at pains to keep the youngster’s morale high. “It is important that a talent like him should always be happy around the dressing room,” he said. “Next time, whenever he comes in these conditions, he will be very well-prepared.”
At the recent Asian Games, Samson dropped to number three to let Sooryavanshi open, giving the teenager a taste of international action. For now, though, the message is clear: the wait continues.
Team news: Bhuvneshwar returns, Rachin misses out
India’s bowling attack will look different. Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the T20I setup after a gap of nearly four years, while Varun Chakravarthy is back after recovering from a side strain. They join Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in a reshaped attack.
New Zealand are without Rachin Ravindra, who is nursing a shoulder injury. Finn Allen is back in the side, with Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips forming the core of the batting.
Why this series matters
India’s form since the World Cup has been patchy: defeats to Ireland and England, a win over Afghanistan and a 2-2 draw at home against the West Indies. For India, the series is about testing the pace depth without Bumrah and Hardik. For New Zealand, it is a chance to avenge the final defeat on home soil.
The first ball is bowled at 12:30 PM IST today. Do not miss it.
FAQs
What time does India vs New Zealand 1st T20I start today?
The match starts at 12:30 PM IST, with the toss at 12:00 PM IST, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Where can I watch IND vs NZ T20I live in India?
Live telecast on the Sony Sports Network and live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website, with Hindi and regional commentary options.
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in the 1st T20I?
Unlikely. Captain Shreyas Iyer has confirmed India will continue with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the openers, so the teenager may have to wait.
Who is captaining India and New Zealand in the T20I series?
Shreyas Iyer leads India, while Mitchell Santner captains New Zealand.
What is the full schedule of the India vs New Zealand T20I series?
Five matches: October 22 and 24 (Christchurch), October 27 (Wellington), October 30 (Auckland) and November 1 (Hamilton), all starting 12:30 PM IST.
That is the preview. India walk in as world champions; New Zealand walk in with the smell of home grass. Let the cricket begin.
