New Zealand announce squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Mitchell Santner to lead

New Zealand have announced their squad for the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. The 15-member squad will be in action in the major event, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The star all-rounder, Mitchell Santner, will continue to lead the Blackcaps.

It's worth noting that the Kiwis have opted to build a spin-heavy squad, considering the spin-friendly conditions in the subcontinent. Santner, himself, will play a huge role as a spinner in the tournament, supporting their star leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.

However, the Kiwis have included only two specialist spinners as the other spinners in the squad are considered to be part-timers. Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips are the other spin-bowling options. However, they didn’t completely ignore the fast-bowling department, including bowlers like Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, and Jacob Duffy. James Neesham is another fast-bowling option who is capable of scoring crucial runs with the bat as well.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in his squad, stating, “We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different.”

New Zealand face tough Group D challenge

New Zealand are placed in Group D along with Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. The Kiwis will play their first match of the tournament on February 8 against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The matches against Afghanistan and South Africa will be the most challenging contests for them in the group stage.

However, the eyes will be on their batting lineup, which features the likes of Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert.

New Zealand ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Kyle Jamieson: Pace-bowling reserve

Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand matches from January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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