New Zealand Cricket has finalized its squads for the upcoming tour of India, which includes a T20 International series and an ODI series. Mitchell Santner has been named captain for the T20Is, and Michael Bracewell will lead the ODI team. This tour is strategically timed, with the five T20Is following three ODIs, offering the team valuable experience in sub-continental playing conditions. This exposure is considered vital preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The squads feature a mix of established stars and rising talents. Kyle Jamieson returns to international cricket in both formats post-injury. Mark Chapman and Matt Henry are set to make their return in the T20I squad. Newcomers like Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Bevon Jacobs, and Tim Robinson have been rewarded for their impressive domestic performances. Key players such as Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Will O’Rourke have been excluded from these squads due to injury management and workload optimization, ensuring they are fresh for future commitments, including the ICC World Test Championship.
As the T20I series progresses, the squad will be further strengthened by players concluding their franchise engagements, allowing New Zealand to assemble a near full-strength side before finalizing their T20 World Cup roster in mid-January. Head coach Rob Walter stressed the importance of acclimatizing to Indian conditions, particularly the spin-friendly tracks, for their World Cup campaign. Jayden Lennox’s maiden call-up to the national side as a left-arm spinner underscores his consistent performances, while Kristian Clarke’s inclusion in the ODI squad also signals potential new caps.
