The India National Cricket Team represents India in men’s international cricket across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) manages the team, with Gautam Gambhir serving as head coach. As of October 24, 2026, Shubman Gill captains the Test side and the first three ODIs against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer leads the T20I team and is scheduled to captain the final two ODIs.
India is also the reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champion, having defended its title in March 2026. The team currently ranks first in ODIs, second in T20Is, and fourth in Tests. Its ongoing New Zealand tour features five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests, giving fans a chance to see how India performs across all three international formats.
India National Cricket Team Overview and Current Leadership
India played its first Test match in 1932 and has since developed into one of international cricket’s most successful teams. Over the decades, it has won multiple World Cups and Champions Trophy titles.
The BCCI oversees national team selection and cricket operations, while the coaching staff handles preparation, training, and match strategy. Players are selected according to the demands of each format, so the captain and squad can differ between Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
The following leadership appointments were confirmed in the official New Zealand tour squad announcements.
| Format | Captain | Vice-Captain |
| Test | Shubman Gill | KL Rahul |
| ODI (first three matches) | Shubman Gill | Shreyas Iyer |
| ODI (fourth and fifth matches) | Shreyas Iyer | Ishan Kishan |
| T20I | Shreyas Iyer | Tilak Varma |
These arrangements apply specifically to the New Zealand tour. Future series may feature different captains or vice-captains depending on selection decisions and player availability.
India National Cricket Team Players and 2026 Squad
The India cricket team squad for 2026 combines established international players with younger cricketers gaining experience at the highest level.
Squad selection depends heavily on the format. Test cricket rewards patience, endurance, and consistency over several days. ODIs require teams to balance controlled batting with aggressive scoring, while T20Is place greater emphasis on quick runs, flexible bowling options, and fast decision-making.
Test Cricket Squad
Notable players selected for India’s Test series against New Zealand include Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar.
Gill leads the team, supported by vice-captain Rahul. Pant was included subject to fitness clearance when the squad was announced.
The selection provides a mix of specialist batters, wicketkeepers, fast bowlers, spinners, and all-rounders. That balance is especially important in Test cricket, where teams must adapt to changing pitch conditions and lengthy bowling spells.
ODI Cricket Squad
India’s ODI selections include experienced batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.
The bowling options include Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, while Axar Patel adds useful all-round depth.
Shreyas Iyer is scheduled to take over the captaincy for the fourth and fifth ODIs, with Ishan Kishan serving as vice-captain. The squad also changes between these matches and the first three ODIs.
These names represent selected players rather than a confirmed playing XI. Final lineups are announced at the toss before each match.
T20I Cricket Squad
India’s T20I squad announced for New Zealand includes Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Younger players such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Naman Dhir are also part of the squad, giving India additional batting options.
Ishan Kishan was ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain. Kumar Kushagra was added as wicketkeeping cover on October 23, 2026.
India National Cricket Team Schedule and Latest Results
India’s international calendar currently centers on its October–November 2026 tour of New Zealand. The series includes matches in all three formats, beginning with five T20Is.
Latest India Cricket Match Result
India opened the tour with a remarkable four-wicket victory over New Zealand on October 22, completing its highest successful men’s T20I run chase.
According to the official ICC match report, India reached its target of 226 with two deliveries remaining.
- New Zealand: 225/4 in 20 overs.
- India: 230/6 in 19.4 overs.
- Result: India won by four wickets.
- Sanju Samson: 67 runs from 33 balls.
- Naman Dhir: Unbeaten 42 runs from 15 balls.
Samson was named Player of the Match after giving India an aggressive start. Dhir then finished the chase with a powerful late innings, securing a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
India had also faced West Indies earlier in October. Fans following the team’s recent performances can revisit the India vs West Indies match highlights for a separate look at that series.
India Cricket Team Upcoming Matches 2026
The following fixtures were announced for India’s New Zealand tour.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| October 24 | 2nd T20I vs New Zealand | Christchurch |
| October 27 | 3rd T20I vs New Zealand | Wellington |
| October 30 | 4th T20I vs New Zealand | Auckland |
| November 1 | 5th T20I vs New Zealand | Hamilton |
| November 4 | 1st ODI vs New Zealand | Auckland |
| November 7 | 2nd ODI vs New Zealand | Wellington |
| November 10 | 3rd ODI vs New Zealand | Hamilton |
| November 13 | 4th ODI vs New Zealand | Mount Maunganui |
| November 15 | 5th ODI vs New Zealand | Mount Maunganui |
| November 19 | 1st Test vs New Zealand | Wellington |
| November 27 | 2nd Test vs New Zealand | Christchurch |
This schedule reflects the announced fixtures as of October 24, 2026. The Test dates indicate when each match begins, rather than its full duration. Results, player availability, and fixture arrangements may change as the tour progresses.
India Cricket Team ICC Rankings
India remains among the leading international teams across all three formats. Its ICC team rankings, checked on October 24, 2026, are:
| Cricket Format | ICC Ranking | Rating |
| Test | 4th | 105 |
| ODI | 1st | 115 |
| T20I | 2nd | 268 |
India’s top ODI ranking reflects its strong results in the format, while its T20I position keeps it among the leading teams in international Twenty20 cricket.
ICC rankings use a rating system based on match results and the relative strength of opponents. A team’s position can change as new results are included in the calculations.
India National Cricket Team World Cup Titles and Records
India has built an impressive record in international tournaments, winning major titles in both ODI and T20 cricket.
Its most important ICC men’s tournament achievements include:
- 1983 ODI World Cup: India claimed its first Cricket World Cup title under Kapil Dev.
- 2002 Champions Trophy: India shared the championship with Sri Lanka.
- 2007 T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni captained India to victory in the tournament’s inaugural edition.
- 2011 ODI World Cup: India secured its second ODI World Cup title, again under Dhoni.
- 2013 Champions Trophy: India added another major ICC trophy during Dhoni’s captaincy.
- 2024 T20 World Cup: India defeated South Africa in the final.
- 2025 Champions Trophy: India overcame New Zealand to win the tournament.
- 2026 T20 World Cup: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to retain its title.
The 2026 T20 World Cup victory was a historic achievement. India became the first men’s team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend the championship.
India Cricket Team History and Legendary Players
India’s cricket history has been shaped by generations of players who delivered defining performances in international competition.
Kapil Dev captained the team to its first ODI World Cup victory in 1983, a result that transformed India’s standing in world cricket. Sachin Tendulkar later became the highest run-scorer in international cricket history, setting numerous batting records during his long career.
MS Dhoni brought another successful era, leading India to the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup titles. His calm captaincy and finishing ability made him an important figure in India’s rise.
Virat Kohli became one of India’s most accomplished modern batters, combining consistency with an aggressive competitive approach. Rohit Sharma also played a major leadership role, captaining India during its 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy victories.
How to Watch India Cricket Matches in the USA
Fans in the United States can follow India’s international matches through authorized broadcasters, streaming platforms, and official live score services.
Willow TV held the US and Canadian broadcasting rights for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, bilateral series such as India versus New Zealand can have separate broadcasting agreements, so viewers should check availability for the specific competition before subscribing.
The ICC’s official broadcasting information provides details about coverage arrangements for major ICC tournaments. Official ICC and BCCI match centers also publish fixtures, scorecards, results, and team announcements.
Match times depend on where India is playing. US viewers should confirm whether a fixture is listed in Eastern Time, Pacific Time, Indian Standard Time, or the host country’s local time to avoid missing the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of the India National Cricket Team in 2026?
India has different captains depending on the format and series. For the October–November 2026 New Zealand tour, Shubman Gill leads the Test team and first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer captains the T20I side and the final two ODIs.
Is India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad the same as its New Zealand T20I squad?
No. Squad selections can change between tournaments and bilateral series. India’s New Zealand T20I squad includes a different leadership arrangement and several younger players, so it should not be confused with the team selected for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Where can fans find India’s confirmed playing XI before a match?
India’s official playing XI is normally confirmed at the toss, shortly before the match begins. Fans can check the match scorecard or live coverage from official cricket platforms for the final lineup, including any last-minute changes.
