T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand announce spin-heavy squad, Santner named captain

Published - 07 Jan 2026, 10:23 IST | Updated - 07 Jan 2026, 10:28 IST

New Zealand have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Mitchell Santner has been named captain of the side. The Black Caps are set to play three of their first-round matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

With the Chennai surface traditionally offering significant assistance to spin bowlers, New Zealand have strengthened their spin attack. Santner will lead the spin department alongside Ish Sodhi, the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals. The squad also includes spin-bowling all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

Despite the emphasis on spin, the Kiwis retain a formidable pace-bowling unit. Jacob Duffy has earned his maiden T20 World Cup call-up and will be supported by experienced campaigners Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne. Kyle Jamieson will travel with the squad as a reserve, while Jimmy Neesham slots in as the pace-bowling all-rounder. The batting lineup features Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell.

"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. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable,” said head coach Rob Walter as quoted by NDTV Sports.

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Ahead of the T20 World Cup, New Zealand will tour India for three One-Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals. The Kiwis will then face the United States of America in a warm-up fixture before the start of the tournament. New Zealand have been placed in a group alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

"The group have had a healthy diet of T20 cricket leading into this World Cup, with three T20 International series to start the home summer, followed by the Super Smash and franchise opportunities. We've also got a hugely exciting tour of India, which will be a big challenge and provide ideal preparation for what's to come,” said Walter.

Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne Wellington, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish SodhiTraveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson