New Zealand’s cricket board has announced the squads for their upcoming tour of India, which includes a T20 International series and an ODI series. Mitchell Santner will captain the T20I squad, while Michael Bracewell has been appointed skipper for the ODI matches. The tour, featuring three ODIs followed by five T20Is, is seen as an essential stepping stone for the Blackcaps to adapt to sub-continent conditions in anticipation of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
The squads incorporate a number of senior players returning from breaks or injury, alongside emerging talents like Jayden Lennox and Kristian Clarke, who have earned their spots through strong performances. Kyle Jamieson is back in contention for both formats after recovering from his injury. Mark Chapman and Matt Henry are also set to feature in the T20I squad. Players like Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Will O’Rourke have been deliberately rested or are sidelined due to injury management and workload considerations, as part of a broader strategy to manage player fitness for a packed schedule that includes the ICC World Test Championship.
Later in the T20I series, the squad will be reinforced by players completing their franchise commitments, aiming to have a near full-strength team available before the final T20 World Cup squad is confirmed in mid-January. Head coach Rob Walter emphasized the critical nature of playing in India’s spin-friendly environments, stating it’s vital for the team’s success in the upcoming World Cup. The inclusion of Jayden Lennox, a promising left-arm spinner, marks his first national call-up, recognizing his consistent form, while Kristian Clarke’s selection in the ODI squad also points to new opportunities.