New Zealand has unveiled a spin-focused squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Captain Mitchell Santner will lead a 15-member team featuring seasoned spinners, all-rounders, and a strong pace attack.
The Black Caps’ squad emphasizes spin, reflecting the spin-friendly pitches they will encounter in India, especially at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
Joining Santner in the spin ranks are Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. Santner, a veteran all-rounder, has been a mainstay in New Zealand’s T20 squad, with 130 wickets and 848 runs across 122 matches.
Coach Rob Walter highlighted the advantage of experience in the subcontinent: “This is an experienced group, and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”
Pace options and all-round depth
The pace attack is led by Jacob Duffy, who makes his World Cup debut, alongside Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne. Kyle Jamieson will travel as pace cover, while James Neesham provides seam-bowling versatility.
In batting, the squad features Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell, offering both firepower and stability at the top and middle order.
Several players are managing fitness concerns ahead of the tournament. Ferguson and Henry are expected to take short-term paternity leave, while Santner, Chapman, and Allen are recovering from minor injuries. Adam Milne and James Neesham are included despite recent gaps in international play, ensuring depth and balance in both batting and bowling departments.
T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures
New Zealand is placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the UAE. Their campaign begins on February 8 against Afghanistan in Chennai. Ahead of the tournament, the Black Caps will play three ODIs and five T20Is against India as preparation for subcontinental conditions.
