Last updated: 11 November 2026
After the white-ball games, India’s tour of New Zealand ends with two Tests. For GoPlay11 cricket readers who enjoy picking free fantasy teams, Tests are a different challenge: five days, two innings each, and in this series, very early start times in India. Here are the confirmed dates, India’s squad as announced by the BCCI, and how to prepare a free fantasy team without paying entry fees.
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GoPlay11 cricket: India vs New Zealand Test dates
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 19–23 November 2026 | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 3:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | 27 November – 1 December 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 3:30 AM |
Sources: BBC Sport fixtures (play starts 22:00 GMT the previous evening, which is 3:30 AM IST) and CricRadar schedule. Because of the time difference, each day’s play in New Zealand begins in the middle of the Indian night, so check the date carefully when you set a free league deadline.
India’s Test squad
The BCCI announced the squad on 16 October 2026: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper, subject to fitness clearance), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.
Note the fitness clause next to Pant’s name. Until the BCCI or team management confirms he is available, treat any fantasy pick that depends on him as uncertain, and have Jurel in mind as the other specialist keeper.
How the tour has gone so far
According to BBC Sport results, India won the T20I series 3–2 and won the first two ODIs, both decided by the DLS method. The ODI series continues until 15 November at Mount Maunganui. Our earlier India vs New Zealand ODIs free fantasy guide covers the white-ball leg.
Free fantasy prep for a Test match
Test fantasy rewards patience more than T20 picks do. Some points that apply on any free platform:
- Wait for the toss and team news. With a 3:30 AM IST start, the playing XI is announced at the toss, shortly before play. If your free league locks earlier, pick players whose places look secure.
- Top-order batters get more chances. In a Test, each side can bat twice, so a top-order batter gets two chances to score.
- Value wicket-takers over economy. Most Test scoring systems care far more about wickets than runs conceded. Check your platform’s points table first.
- All-rounders cover both innings. Players who both bat and bowl can earn points in more ways across two innings.
- Don’t chase every session. If your platform allows changes between innings, use them for confirmed injuries, not hunches.
Points systems differ from one free platform to another. Our GoPlay11 cricket pillar guide explains how fantasy points typically work across T20, ODI and Test formats.
Keep it free and legal
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (MeitY text), paid fantasy contests, where you pay an entry fee hoping to win money, are online money games and are banned. Free leagues with no entry fee and no cash prizes are not covered by the ban. If a “GoPlay11 cricket” group offers paid Test contests, bonuses or deposit offers, stay away.
Looking further ahead? Read our GoPlay11 IPL guide for the IPL 2027 auction timeline.
Part of our hub: GoPlay11 cricket hub · India vs New Zealand ODIs guide · GoPlay11 IPL guide
Frequently asked questions
When does the India vs New Zealand Test series start?
The 1st Test is at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, from 19 to 23 November 2026. The 2nd Test is at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, from 27 November to 1 December 2026.
What time do the Tests start in India?
Play is scheduled to start at 3:30 AM IST, which is 22:00 GMT the previous evening, according to BBC Sport’s fixture list.
Who is India’s Test captain in New Zealand?
Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain, in the squad the BCCI announced on 16 October 2026.
Can I play GoPlay11 cricket contests for money on these Tests?
No. Paid fantasy contests are online money games, banned in India since 1 May 2026. Play only free leagues with no entry fee and no cash prizes.
18+ only. Play responsibly. Fixture details can change; check official sources before each match.
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