New Zealand has named a 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India, which begins on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The series will span four cities over 11 days and forms part of India’s 12-match tour of New Zealand, which also includes five ODIs and two Tests.
The most significant absentee from the squad is Rachin Ravindra, who has been ruled out after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot. Mitchell Santner will captain the side in his absence.
Thirteen players from the squad that finished runner-up to India in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have been retained, while Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne return after missing that tournament through injury. Milne last represented New Zealand against Zimbabwe more than a year ago.
Fast bowler Ben Sears was also not considered for selection as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
How long will Rachin Ravindra be sidelined?
Ravindra’s right shoulder dislocation occurred during a promotional shoot ahead of the series. His rehabilitation is expected to take around six weeks, with selectors targeting his return for the ODI leg of the tour, which begins November 4. New Zealand’s management has been clear that they do not want him to rush his recovery given the volume of cricket scheduled across the summer.
The team expressed their disappointment at losing Ravindra for the T20Is.
“We’re gutted for Rachin. He’s going to play a big role for us this summer so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs,” New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
How does New Zealand’s pace attack look for the series?
New Zealand have assembled a seven-strong pace attack for the T20I series, including Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, and returning fast bowler Adam Milne. The depth in pace options gives the squad considerable variety in terms of pace, height and skill sets across different conditions.
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“It’s going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway. India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting. We hear most of the games are going to be sold-out and it should make for some incredible occasions. We’ve got a near full-strength squad that covers all bases and I’m excited to see how we compete against the current T20 world champions,” Walter added.
New Zealand full squad for India T20I series 2026
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith.
