IND vs NZ 2026: New Zealand announce ODI and T20I squads for India tour

New Zealand Cricket has announced two separate squads for the coming white-ball tour of India, scheduled for January 2026. The Black Caps will be playing a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20 International series. The squads show a clear concern for workload, injuries, and preparations for the impending ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The ODI series will begin on January 11, whereas the matches of the T20 Internationals will commence on January 21. The T20I leg is especially important, as it will be New Zealand’s final series before the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.

Several big names are missing from parts of the tour, which has drawn attention. New Zealand Cricket has made it clear that player workload, injuries, and availability have all played a role in shaping the squads for the India series.

Kane Williamson Misses ODIs, Bracewell to Lead

For the ODI series, regular captain Mitchell Santner has been rested, and all-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the side. Senior players Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman, and Rachin Ravindra are either rested or unavailable. Williamson’s absence is the biggest talking point, with New Zealand Cricket confirming he will miss the series due to his SA20 commitments after signing with Durban Super Giants as a replacement player.

Injuries have also affected selection plans. Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Mark Chapman are continuing rehabilitation, while Ben Sears is still recovering after his time in Melbourne. However, despite all these Injury setbacks, some experienced players, such as Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Will Young, have retained their spots in the ODI team.

A major positive for the team is the presence of Jayden Lennox, who has deservedly earned his first international selection. The batter has been rewarded for strong domestic performances. Head coach Rob Walter said Lennox has been monitored for some time, pointing to his New Zealand A displays and consistent white-ball form. For the T20Is, Santner returns as captain, leading a strong squad that includes Devon Conway, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

New Zealand ODI Squad for India Tour 2026

Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, and Will Young.

New Zealand T20I Squad for India Tour 2026

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Ish Sodhi.