New Zealand Squads Announced for India Tour as T20 World Cup Approaches

Overview

New Zealand have confirmed their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming India tour, using the series as a key step toward T20 World Cup 2026 preparation. The tour will help players adapt to subcontinent conditions while selectors fine tune combinations ahead of the global event.

New Zealand players prepare for their tour of India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Image Source: Instagram/@blackcapsnz and @nzcricketofficial —Edited & Modified by Us

New Zealand Cricket has officially revealed its One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) squads for the upcoming tour of India, with selections heavily influenced by long-term planning for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The series will feature three ODIs followed by a five match T20I contest, offering the Black Caps a valuable opportunity to adapt to Asian conditions ahead of the global tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka.

Leadership and Squad Strategy

Mitchell Santner will captain the T20I team as he continues his return to full fitness, while Michael Bracewell has been handed leadership responsibilities for the ODI side.

Selectors have balanced experience with youth, recalling senior players while also rewarding emerging talent for recent domestic and A team performances.

T20I Squad vs India

• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Michael Bracewell
• Mark Chapman
• Devon Conway
• Jacob Duffy
• Zak Foulkes
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Bevon Jacobs
• Daryl Mitchell
• James Neesham
• Glenn Phillips
• Rachin Ravindra
• Tim Robinson
• Ish Sodhi

Kyle Jamieson returns across formats after recovering from injury while Mark Chapman and Matt Henry make their way back into the T20I setup. Young players such as Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson continue to earn trust through consistent performances.

ODI Squad vs India

• Michael Bracewell (c)
• Adi Ashok
• Kristian Clarke
• Josh Clarkson
• Devon Conway
• Zak Foulkes
• Mitch Hay
• Kyle Jamieson
• Nick Kelly
• Jayden Lennox
• Daryl Mitchell
• Henry Nicholls
• Glenn Phillips
• Michael Rae
• Will Young

Jayden Lennox receives his first international call up following strong showings for the A side, while Kristian Clarke is another fresh inclusion in the ODI group. Michael Rae, who debuted in the second Test against the West Indies, also retains his place.

Player Workload and Availability

Several players including Jacob Duffy, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner have been rested or ruled out as part of injury management and workload planning. New Zealand busy international schedule includes participation in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.

Additional players will join the T20I squad later after completing franchise league commitments allowing selectors to assess near full strength combinations before finalizing the World Cup squad in mid January.

Coaching Perspective

Head coach Rob Walter emphasized the importance of playing in India at this stage of the cycle.

Rob Walter on Subcontinent Conditions

“Conditions in the sub continent are very different from what we experience at home. Gaining exposure now is extremely valuable, especially with a T20 World Cup coming up in similar environments.”

A Milestone Tour for Emerging Talent

This tour represents a significant moment for left arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who earns his first international selection while Kristian Clarke also moves into the national setup for the first time in ODI. Their inclusion reflects New Zealand commitment to developing depth ahead of major global tournaments.

Related Reads:

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026