India is all set to host the much awaited New Zealand series consisting of 3 Tests and 5 ODIs, starting from 22 September 2016. In a unique way, Indian Players took to social media to announce the schedule and also showed their support for the Indian pitches.
Indore is to host its first-ever Test during the three-match Test series against the Kiwis from September 30 to October 4.
Skipper Virat Kohli announced from his twitter handle that the first Test will be played at the Green Park, Kanpur from September 22-26.
Batsman Ajinkya Rahane disclosed that the second Test will be held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore from September 30-October 4, while the seamer Mohammed Shami showed his eagerness to play at the iconic Eden Gardens in the final Test from October 8-12.
A month-long series will witness Indian team locking horns against the Kiwis on eight different venues, across the India.
Here's the full schedule for #IndvNZ – https://t.co/C0feAAKeiT … #TeamIndia #IndiaCricket – @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/AuiMtocF5e
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 28, 2016
India’s Test Skipper support for Kanpur
#TeamIndia will begin the home season at one of the oldest venues in the country – KANPUR vs. @BLACKCAPS #IndvNZ 1st Test starts Sept 22
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 28, 2016
Indian Test Vice Captain is excited to play at the land of Syed Mushtaq Ali, Indore
The land of great Syed Mushtaq Ali will host its 1st ever Test Match. Indore is waiting 4 the moment. #IndvNZ 2nd Test Match starts Sept 30
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) June 28, 2016
The pacer is keen to play at the iconic Eden Gardens
History, Passion and Glory – Eden Gardens. It can’t get better than this. Let us fill the Eden for #IndvNZ 3rd Test. Starts Oct 8 #TeamIndia
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) June 28, 2016
The Delhiite endorsed his home town
The carnival of cricket will reach the national capital on Oct 19. Delhiwallo chalo Kotla to support #TeamIndia. #IndvNZ 2nd ODI on Oct 19
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 28, 2016
Ashwin wants to spin out the Kiwis at Ranchi
Support #TeamIndia as Cricket will reach Ranchi on Oct 26. We take on @BLACKCAPS in the 4th ODI at JSCA Stadium #IndvNZ
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) June 28, 2016
Here is what the Coach had to say
Vizag is all set to host the final ODI of the series against Kiwis #IndvNZ on Oct 29. Turn up at the stadium and support #TeamIndia @BCCI
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 28, 2016
The BCCI president Anurag Thakur told PTI: “The upcoming home series against New Zealand will be very significant and we will be kickstarting an important phase in Indian cricket. The game is about players first. That’s the reason we have taken this unique initiative where the players of the national team will announce the schedule. It also brings them closer to the fans. Expect more such initiatives in coming days.”
New Zealand Tour of India 2016 Schedule
1st Test: Sept 22-26 Kanpur
2nd Test: Sept 30-Oct 4 Indore
3rd Test: Oct 8-12 Kolkata
1st ODI: Oct 16 Dharamsala
2nd ODI: Oct 19 Delhi
3rd ODI: Oct 23 Mohali
4th ODI: Oct 26 Ranchi
5th ODI: Oct 29 Visakhapatnam