India open their Test tour of New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday, November 19, 2026, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the squad. The two-match series follows India's 3-1 ODI series win and marks their first Test assignment in New Zealand since the 2019-20 tour.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test: Match Overview
The first of two Tests begins on Thursday, November 19, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The teams then move to Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the second and final Test.
Both Tests in the series start at the same time, 11:00 a.m. local time (NZDT). That is 3:30 a.m. IST for fans in India.
India vs New Zealand Test Series: Key Details| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Series format | 2 Tests |
| 1st Test venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| 1st Test start date | Thursday, November 19, 2026 |
| 2nd Test venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Start time (local) | 11:00 a.m. NZDT |
| Start time (India) | 3:30 a.m. IST |
What Time Does the Match Start Around the World?
NZDT is UTC+13, so the 11:00 a.m. start falls on the evening of November 18 in the Americas and Western Europe. The table below converts the start time for major regions.
First Test Start Time by Region| Region | Local Start Time | Date |
|---|
| New Zealand (NZDT) | 11:00 a.m. | November 19 |
| India (IST) | 3:30 a.m. | November 19 |
| Pakistan (PKT) | 3:00 a.m. | November 19 |
| Australia (AEDT, Sydney) | 9:00 a.m. | November 19 |
| UK (GMT) | 10:00 p.m. | November 18 |
| US Eastern (EST) | 5:00 p.m. | November 18 |
| US Pacific (PST) | 2:00 p.m. | November 18 |
Bumrah and Pant Return for the Test Leg
Jasprit Bumrah sat out both white-ball legs of the tour and rejoins the squad for the Test series. Rishabh Pant also returns, though he was named subject to fitness clearance after a side strain in the Irani Cup.
Shubman Gill leads India, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Gurnoor Brar was added to the squad on Saturday, while Kuldeep Yadav has been released to play domestic cricket at home.
Squad Leadership and Changes
India Test Squad: Key Updates| Player | Status |
|---|
| Shubman Gill | Captain |
| KL Rahul | Vice-captain |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Returns after missing the white-ball legs |
| Rishabh Pant | Returns, subject to fitness clearance (side strain) |
| Gurnoor Brar | Added to the squad on Saturday |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Released to play domestic cricket |
Pant's clearance is the main selection variable ahead of the first Test.
Context: India's Recent Record Against New Zealand
India won the five-match ODI series 3-1, sealed by a 22-run win at Bay Oval on Sunday. The Test format, however, has been the harder one for India against this opponent in recent years.
New Zealand won the previous Test series 3-0 in India in 2024. It remains the only time India have been whitewashed at home in a three-match series.
Recent India vs New Zealand Series Snapshot| Series | Format | Result |
|---|
| 2019-20 tour of New Zealand | Tests | India's last Test assignment in New Zealand |
| 2024 in India | 3 Tests | New Zealand won 3-0 |
| 2026 in New Zealand | 5 ODIs | India won 3-1 |
Why the Test Series Matters
The ODI result gives India momentum, but the two formats offer little direct comparison. The 2024 whitewash is the clearest recent reference point for the Test leg.
This series is the first Test meeting between the sides since that result. It is also India's first red-ball tour of New Zealand in more than six years.
Where to Watch India vs New Zealand 1st Test
Broadcast and streaming rights differ by country. Fans should check local sports broadcasters and official cricket streaming platforms in their region for live coverage.
Because of the time difference, viewers in India will need to tune in from 3:30 a.m. IST. Both Tests share the same start time, so the same schedule applies in Christchurch.
Key Takeaways
- The first Test starts on November 19, 2026, at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.
- Play begins at 11:00 a.m. NZDT, which is 3:30 a.m. IST.
- Bumrah and Pant (subject to fitness) return to the India squad.
- Gill captains and Rahul is vice-captain.
- New Zealand won the last Test series 3-0 in 2024.