[1][2][3] The ODI fixtures were part of both teams' preparation for the 2019 Cricket World Cup,[4] with India winning the series 4–1.

[9][10] Jasprit Bumrah was rested from the tour and replaced by Mohammed Siraj in India's squad for both the ODI and T20I fixtures.

[14] On 11 January 2019, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following controversial comments they made on the Indian talk show Koffee with Karan earlier in the month.

[17] Virat Kohli was rested for the last two ODIs and the T20I series,[18] with Rohit Sharma named as captain of the India team in his place.

[20] James Neesham and Todd Astle were added to New Zealand's squad for the last two ODIs, replacing Doug Bracewell and Ish Sodhi respectively.