Cricket fans across India are gearing up for the thrilling ODI series against New Zealand, which is starting on 11 January 2026. With matches scheduled at prime afternoon slots and broadcast across multiple channels, getting your viewing setup sorted beforehand ensures you won’t miss a single boundary or wicket. India vs New Zealand cricket matches bring nail-biting action, and Airtel IPTV subscribers can catch every ball live.
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The three-match series kicks off at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, moving through Rajkot before concluding at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium. Whether you’re planning to watch on your big-screen TV through Airtel IPTV or stream on mobile devices, this guide covers match schedules, channels, setup instructions, and troubleshooting tips to enjoy India vs New Zealand live streaming.
Complete Match Schedule and Timings
The ODI series features three matches, each starting at 1:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM IST. Mark these dates in your calendar:
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time |
| 1st ODI | 11 January 2026 | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara | 1:30 PM IST |
| 2nd ODI | 14 January 2026 | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | 1:30 PM IST |
| 3rd ODI | 18 January 2026 | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 1:30 PM IST |
Live Channels on Airtel IPTV
Star Sports holds the official broadcasting rights for the India vs New Zealand cricket home series, making their channels your primary destination for live coverage. Airtel IPTV carries the complete Star Sports as well as Sony Sports bouquet for comprehensive cricket coverage.
Your go-to channels for the ODI series include:
| Channel name | Channel number |
| Star Sports 1 English | 277 |
| Star Sports 1 English HD | 278 |
| Star Sports 2 Hindi | 279 |
| Star Sports 2 Hindi HD | 280 |
| Star Sports 1 Kannada | 974 |
| Star Sports 1 Tamil | 803 |
| Star Sports 1 Telugu | 928 |
| Star Sports Bangla 1 | 738 |
Before match day, navigate the sports channel list on your Airtel set-top box and check whether the channels are accessible. If you encounter a subscription message, activate the sports bouquet through the Airtel Thanks app or contact customer support.
Alternative Streaming Through OTT Platforms
Beyond traditional TV viewing, Airtel IPTV users can stream India vs New Zealand live on JioHotstar, the official OTT streaming partner, providing additional viewing flexibility. In select plans, Airtel users can additionally access JioHotstar via Airtel Xstream Play without a separate JioHotstar subscription. Here is how you can access JioHotstar via Airtel Xstream Play:
- Download the Airtel Xstream Play app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in using your registered Airtel mobile number (Note: Ensure your plan includes access to Airtel Xstream Play.)
- Go to the Apps/Live Sports/Cricket section. Tap the JioHotstar content tile for India vs New Zealand 2026 or search for ‘IND vs NZ’.
- You will be redirected to JioHotstar. Log in (if asked) and start the live stream of the current ODI/T20 from the series page or match card.
Setting Up Your Airtel IPTV for Match Day
Getting your Airtel IPTV ready for cricket streaming requires proper setup and configuration. Start by ensuring your Airtel Xstream set-top box connects to your television through an HDMI cable for optimal picture quality. Power on the device and wait for the home screen to load completely.
Before match time, double-check that all cables are securely connected and the set-top box is properly powered. Confirm that your TV input is set to the correct HDMI source and that your subscription includes the channel broadcasting the match to avoid last-minute interruptions.
Optimising Your Viewing Experience
Achieving good buffering for India vs New Zealand cricket streaming requires attention to several factors. First, close bandwidth-heavy applications on other devices sharing your network. Streaming services, downloads, and video calls on phones or computers can impact your Airtel IPTV performance.
If you experience pixellation or buffering:
- Check your internet speed using the built-in speed test in Settings
- Reduce streaming quality temporarily from HD to SD
- Ensure no more than three devices are simultaneously streaming content
Watching the India vs New Zealand ODI series on Airtel IPTV ensures a smooth, stadium-like experience from the comfort of your home. With reliable live TV channels, afternoon-friendly match timings, and multiple language commentary options, Airtel IPTV lets fans enjoy every over without interruptions. By setting up your DTH connection in advance and checking channel access, you’re all set for a thrilling three-match ODI viewing experience.
Get match-ready with Airtel IPTV today. Activate your plan, fine-tune your setup, and enjoy high-quality live cricket with stable streaming and crystal-clear visuals. Don’t miss a moment of the India vs New Zealand ODI action—watch it live, effortlessly, with Airtel IPTV.
Disclaimer: The information provided may change over time. Airtel IPTV policies, features, and processes are subject to updates, so users should refer to official Airtel channels for the latest instructions.