New Delhi, Dec. 23 — New Zealand have announced their squads for the upcoming three-match ODI and five-match T20I series in India, a key opportunity to acclimatize to subcontinental conditions ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, starting Feb. 7, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Michael Bracewell has been named captain of the ODI side, while Mitchell Santner will lead the T20I squad as he continues his return from injury. The series will see a mix of senior players and emerging talent, including uncapped names Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson, as well as Michael Rae, who debuted in the second Test against the West Indies.
Kyle Jamieson will feature in both formats after recovering from injury, while Mark Chapman and Matt Henry are set to return in the T20Is. Several players, including Jacob Duffy, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner, have been rested or ruled out for workload management, ahead of New Zealand’s busy international calendar, which includes the ICC World Test Championship.
“The value of touring India at this stage cannot be overstated,” head coach Rob Walter said, according to the ICC website. “Playing in the subcontinent is obviously very different to what we’re used to in New Zealand, so any opportunity to expose our guys to those conditions is a good thing, especially prior to a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent.”
The T20I squad will be strengthened later in the series by players finishing franchise commitments, allowing New Zealand to field a near full-strength group before finalising their T20 World Cup squad in mid-January.
The tour marks a milestone for left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who earned his maiden international call-up after strong performances for the A side. Kristian Clarke is another uncapped inclusion in the ODI squad.
New Zealand T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), 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: Michael Bracewell (captain), 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
