New Zealand have stepped up their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by naming their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of India, with selectors using the series as a key testing ground in sub-continent conditions.
The tour includes three ODIs followed by a five-match T20I series and is being seen as a crucial phase in New Zealand’s build-up to the T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Mitchell Santner will lead the T20I side as he continues his return from injury, while Michael Bracewell has been named captain for the ODI series.
New Zealand 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
New Zealand 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
Santner leads T20 build-up as World Cup planning intensifies
Santner’s return to leadership is one of the key takeaways from the selection, with the left-arm spinner expected to be a major factor for New Zealand in spin-friendly conditions during the T20 World Cup 2026. The T20I squad blends proven performers with emerging options as selectors continue to refine their best combinations.
Kyle Jamieson features in both formats following his recovery, while Mark Chapman and Matt Henry return to the T20I setup. Several players have been rested or managed due to workload considerations, including Kane Williamson and Will O’Rourke, as New Zealand balance immediate performance with long-term goals.
India tour offers final auditions before World Cup squad
The T20I squad is set to be bolstered later in the series by players completing franchise commitments, allowing New Zealand to field a near full-strength side before finalising their T20 World Cup squad in mid-January.
Head coach Rob Walter stressed the importance of exposure to Indian conditions ahead of the global tournament.
“Playing in the sub-continent is very different to what we’re used to in New Zealand, so any opportunity to give our players time in those conditions is hugely valuable before a T20 World Cup there,” Walter said.
With leadership roles defined and combinations under close scrutiny, the India tour shapes as a decisive phase in New Zealand’s road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
