NEW DELHI: New Zealand have announced their squads for the upcoming limited-overs tour of India as they keep a close eye on preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tour will feature three One-Day Internationals followed by a five-match T20I series, starting January 11.
With the World Cup set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, the selectors have used this tour as a key planning step.The five-match T20I series is seen as especially important for the Black Caps. Playing in Indian conditions will help players adjust to slower pitches and quality spin, something they do not face regularly at home. The team management believes this experience will be crucial ahead of the global event.Mitchell Santner will lead the T20I side as he continues his comeback from injury. For the ODI series, Michael Bracewell has been named captain.Several senior players have been recalled for the tour, while a few young faces have also been rewarded for strong recent performances. Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson have all been included after impressing in domestic and A-team cricket. Michael Rae, who recently made his Test debut against the West Indies, also finds a place in the squads.Kyle Jamieson returns in both ODI and T20I squads after recovering from injury. Mark Chapman and Matt Henry are also back in the T20I setup, strengthening the bowling and batting units.At the same time, some key players have been rested or ruled out to manage workloads. Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner will miss the tour due to injury concerns or workload management. New Zealand are balancing their schedule carefully as they also prepare for the World Test Championship cycle.NZ T20I Squad v 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 SodhiNZ ODI Squad v 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
