New Zealand has unveiled a spin-heavy 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with veteran all-rounder Mitchell Santner named as captain. The selection places a strong emphasis on spin bowling to suit the expected conditions, particularly at the spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where three of New Zealand's four pool-stage matches will take place. Alongside Santner, the spin department includes leg-spinner Ish Sodhi—New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is—as well as versatile all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. This spin-centric approach reflects the team's strategy to exploit turning tracks commonly found in the subcontinent during the tournament.
The pace attack remains formidable, led by Jacob Duffy, ranked second in the ICC's T20I bowling rankings and set to make his World Cup debut. Duffy is supported by experienced fast bowlers Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne, while tall pacer Kyle Jamieson will travel as a pace-bowling reserve. Seam-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham adds further depth and flexibility to the bowling options. Head coach Rob Walter highlighted the squad's balance, noting the presence of five all-rounders who each offer unique skills, alongside powerful batting options and bowlers capable of adapting to varied conditions.
The batting lineup features aggressive top-order hitters Finn Allen and Devon Conway, alongside reliable middle-order contributors Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. Tim Seifert will handle wicketkeeping duties and provide finishing power lower down the order. Many squad members, including Conway, Ravindra, Mitchell, and Santner, bring valuable experience from their time with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, giving New Zealand a familiarity edge at Chepauk. Coach Walter described the group as experienced and well-prepared for subcontinental challenges.
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New Zealand's campaign preparation is already underway, with most players en route to India for a bilateral series comprising three ODIs and five T20Is against the hosts. Following that, the team will contest a warm-up fixture against the United States before opening their World Cup pool-stage campaign against Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Walter emphasized the extensive T20 exposure the squad has received through recent home series, the domestic Super Smash competition, and franchise leagues, describing the upcoming India tour as ideal preparation for the global event.
The spin-heavy composition underscores New Zealand's tactical intent to counter the slow, turning pitches likely to dominate the tournament in India and Sri Lanka. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, the Black Caps aim to leverage their adaptability and subcontinental know-how in pursuit of a strong showing in the T20 World Cup 2026.
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