New Zealand (Source:@the_ipl_com,x.com)
In a significant development, New Zealand named a spin-heavy squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka next month.
New Zealand have been placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, South Africa, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Black Caps will begin their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.
New Zealand reveals spin-heavy squad for T20 World Cup
The team will be led by Mitchell Santner, with selectors clearly shaping the squad to suit slow and turning conditions expected in the subcontinent.
Santner will lead a strong spin group that includes Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
It is important to note that Ish Sodhi is the only specialist spinner in the squad. He will be supported by spin-bowling all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra.
Despite the focus on spin, New Zealand have also selected a solid pace attack. Jacob Duffy will lead the fast-bowling unit in his first World Cup appearance.
He will be supported by experienced pacers Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham will add depth as a seam-bowling option.
Kyle Jamieson has been named as a pace-bowling reserve and will travel with the squad to India. The batting department includes Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert.
Why have New Zealand opted for a spin-heavy squad?
A key reason behind spin-heavy squad selection is the venue allocation. Three of New Zealand’s four group-stage matches will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a ground that traditionally assists spinners.
Several New Zealand players are already familiar with the conditions at the venue. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Santner have all played for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and understand how the pitch behaves.
“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,” Walter said of his squad.
“This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”
Fitness concerns for New Zealand ahead of T20 WC 2026
There are a few fitness concerns, but team management remains confident. Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Ferguson, Matt Henry and Santner are all on track to be fully fit.
It is also important to note that both Ferguson and Henry may be granted short-term special leave during the tournament, as their partners are expecting children.
Before the World Cup, New Zealand will tour India for a three-match ODI series starting January 11, followed by a five-match T20I series. Most of the squad has already begun travelling to India, where these matches will serve as important preparation ahead of the global tournament.
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
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