AUCKLAND: New Zealand unveiled the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. New Zealand has unveiled a spin-focused approach, keeping in view Sri Lankan and Indian conditions.
The 15-member team will be led by Captain Mitchel Santner. It will feature seasoned spinners, strong pace attack and all-rounders.
The squad for the T20 World Cup, it seems, is emphasising spin. It is a logical decision considering the spin-friendly pitches they will face in India and Sri Lanka, especially at stadiums like Chepauk Stadium.
Santner in the spin ranks will be joined by Ish Sodhi, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra Santner. Rachin Ravindra Santner is a veteran all-rounder, been a mainstay in New Zealand’s T20 squad. He has 130 wickets and 848 runs across 122 matches.
Coach Rob Walter highlighted the need and advantage of experience in the subcontinent. He further added that the squad is an experienced group and has played matches in the subcontinent, which will be very valuable.
The pace attack will be led by Jacob Duffy, who will be making is World Cup debut. Other pace bowlers will include Matt Henry, Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson. James Neesham will provide seam-bowling versatility while Kyle Jamieson will travel as pace cover.
The squad also has strong batters, which include Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell. They will offer both stability and firepower at the top and middle order.
T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures
New Zealand is placed alongside South Africa, Canada, Afghanistan and the UAE in Group D. Their campaign will begin on February 8 against Afghanistan in Chennai. They will also be playing five T20Is and three ODIs against India as preparation for subcontinental conditions.
New Zealand’s Squad
| Mitchel Santner (c) |
| Finn Allen |
| Devon Conway |
| Tim Seifert |
| Michael Bracewell |
| Mark Chapman |
| Daryl Mitchell |
| James Neesham |
| Glenn Phillips |
| Rachin Ravindra |
| Jacob Duffy |
| Lockie Ferguson |
| Matt Henry |
| Adam Milne |
| Ish Sodhi |
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