New Zealand national cricket team have named a spin-heavy 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Mitchell Santner continuing as captain.

The selection reflects New Zealand’s clear focus on sub-continent conditions. Three of their four group matches will be played at the spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue well known to Santner and several squad members through their IPL experience. The conditions are expected to favour slow bowlers, and the Black Caps have responded by stacking their line-up with spin and spin-bowling all-rounders.

Santner-led side combines spin variety with strong pace and flexible batting

Santner will be supported in the spin department by Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker, along with all-round options Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. The depth in spin also allows flexibility in team combinations depending on surfaces in India and Sri Lanka.

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Despite the spin focus, head coach Rob Walter has ensured a strong pace unit. ICC’s second-ranked T20I bowler Jacob Duffy will play his first World Cup, alongside experienced quicks Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. Kyle Jamieson travels as a pace-bowling reserve.

The batting group blends power and adaptability, with Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert providing multiple options across the order.

Five players, including Santner, are currently nursing injuries, but New Zealand Cricket has confirmed all are on track to be fit. New Zealand open their campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai, confident that experience and conditions-specific planning can push them deep into the tournament.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Santner (capt), 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
Traveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson