New Zealand Cricket have officially confirmed their squads for the upcoming limited-overs tour of India, a series that forms a vital part of the Black Caps’ build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tour will feature three One-Day Internationals followed by a five-match T20I series, beginning on January 11.
With the global tournament scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka shortly after this tour, selectors have treated the series as a crucial testing phase. Adapting to slower pitches, heavier spin usage, and extended tours in the subcontinent remains a priority for the New Zealand setup.
Leadership Changes Signal Transition Phase
One of the major storylines surrounding the squad announcement is the absence of Kane Williamson from the white-ball leg of the tour. Rather than a performance-related decision, New Zealand Cricket has opted for a managed workload approach, prioritising long-term availability over short-term bilateral results.
In Williamson’s absence, Michael Bracewell will captain the ODI side, while Mitchell Santner has been entrusted with leading the T20I team. The dual-captaincy arrangement highlights New Zealand’s intent to groom adaptable leaders capable of handling high-pressure situations in subcontinental conditions.
Why the India Tour Matters for New Zealand
Tours of India are widely regarded as the most demanding challenge for visiting teams. The combination of dry surfaces, high-quality spin, and packed stadiums provides an environment that closely mirrors World Cup conditions in the region.
New Zealand’s coaching staff believe that exposing emerging players to these circumstances will help fast-track their readiness for major tournaments. The five-match T20I series, in particular, is seen as a valuable rehearsal before final World Cup selections are made.
Returnees and Fresh Faces in the Squad
The tour also marks the return of several players from injury layoffs. Kyle Jamieson is back in both ODI and T20I squads following recovery, adding pace and bounce to the bowling attack. Meanwhile, a number of uncapped or lightly experienced players have earned selection after consistent domestic performances.
Youngsters such as Jayden Lennox and Kristian Clarke have been rewarded for their progress, while familiar names like Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway provide stability across formats.
New Zealand ODI Squad for India Tour
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Michael Bracewell (C) | Batting All-rounder |
| Adi Ashok | Bowler |
| Kristian Clarke | All-rounder |
| Josh Clarkson | Batting All-rounder |
| Devon Conway | WK-Batsman |
| Zak Foulkes | Bowler |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler |
| Nick Kelly | Batsman |
| Jayden Lennox | Left-arm Spinner |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| Henry Nicholls | Batsman |
| Glenn Phillips | All-rounder |
| Michael Rae | Bowler |
| Will Young | Batsman |
New Zealand T20I Squad for India Tour
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (C) | Bowling All-rounder |
| Michael Bracewell | Batting All-rounder |
| Mark Chapman | Batsman |
| Devon Conway | WK-Batsman |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler |
| Zak Foulkes | Bowler |
| Matt Henry | Bowler |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler |
| Bevon Jacobs | Batting All-rounder |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| James Neesham | All-rounder |
| Glenn Phillips | All-rounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder |
| Tim Robinson | Batsman |
| Ish Sodhi | Leg-spinner |
What This Means Going Forward
New Zealand’s squad selection underlines a clear focus on adaptability, squad rotation, and long-term planning. By resting senior figures and empowering a broader leadership group, the Black Caps are investing in depth rather than short-term comfort.
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, the India tour will serve as a measuring stick for both established names and emerging talent. Performances here could play a decisive role in shaping New Zealand’s final World Cup squad.
