Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Fans On Steroids As Dates Announced For India's Historic NZ Tour

The Indian cricket team [Source: AFP]

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed a packed home summer with both the men’s and women’s teams facing high-profile international fixtures.

The headline act is India’s all-format tour, a 12-match series that becomes the largest visit in New Zealand Cricket history. It marks India’s first Test matches in New Zealand since 2019 and their first white-ball games there since 2022.

The Kiwi men will also host Sri Lanka across all formats, while the women take on Bangladesh in their only home series. Up to 41 days of international cricket are set to be staged in eight different cities.

India’s Record Tour Of New Zealand Announced

India’s massive itinerary includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches. The 12-game slate is the most matches ever arranged for a single visiting team by New Zealand Cricket.

It will be India’s first Test campaign in the country in seven years and their first white-ball appearance in four years.

“It’s going to be another exciting summer and we’re delighted to be able to bring 42 days of international cricket to Kiwi cricket fans across eight cities,” NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Glenn Critchley said.

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"When it comes to cricket – it simply doesn’t get bigger than India and we’re determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other.

“This will be about more than just the cricket on the field - it will be a celebration of New Zealand’s shared history and culture with India, and our burgeoning rivalry and friendship through cricket.

“The passion and the following this team has is staggering - not to mention some of the players expected to tour such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, so we’re bracing for the intensity and fandom that will accompany the tour," Critchley said.

India vs New Zealand Official Tour Schedule

Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma To Feature In NZ Tour?

The India tour of New Zealand will be an important assignment for the Men in Blue, as the 2027 World Cup will be just around the corner by the time they conclude their tussle with the Black Caps.

Hence, inevitably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the most important stars of Indian cricket who are expected to play a key role in the 2027 mega tournament, are set to feature in the ODI leg of the series. The ODI leg is scheduled to take place between October and December, in between the tours of the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

All-Important New Zealand Tour Eyed

The first ODI against New Zealand is set to be played on November 4, meaning the two stars will get enough time to rest and recover after their last outing against the West Indies on October 3.

Moreover, multiple ODI matches are scheduled during the tour, and both Rohit and Virat are expected to be selected in the squad. However, the former's selection will depend on his performances and on-field fitness rather than being picked solely because of his reputation as an opening star.

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