India A to play three four-day red-ball matches against New Zealand A from Oct 24 to Nov 10

India A will travel to New Zealand to play three four-day red-ball matches against New Zealand A from October 24 to November 10, the schedule revealed on Tuesday, forming part of the build-up to the senior men’s Test series in New Zealand.

India’s packed domestic and international calendar includes several A-team fixtures designed to give emerging players match practice during a period of transition, and selectors routinely use ‘A’ matches to assess temperament, consistency and adaptability in overseas conditions.

The first four-day game is scheduled for October 24-27 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval. The second encounter will be played from October 31 to November 3 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, a venue the schedule describes as one of the most popular for international cricket in the country. The final match returns to the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln from November 7 to November 10.

The assignments are part of India A’s red-ball summer programme and are intended to provide young players with experience in New Zealand conditions. The report said all three matches are expected to be beneficial for players currently aiming to secure a place in the Indian men’s Test team.

The article named several players who might appear in India A colours, stating: Many players like KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal or Manav Suthar might be seen in India A colours, preparing for the 2026 Test series. It also added that India will have to pull off a miraculous clean sweep over hosts New Zealand to keep a firm hold on their chances in this WTC cycle.

The piece noted there is no official confirmation or announcement yet and said the youngster might be playing the New Zealand T20I series for India at that time.

India A’s next scheduled assignment after the home commitments is a series against Australia A, a home three-match programme set to start on September 22, 2026.