Key takeaways from New Zealand's T20WC 2026 squad
The Blackcaps have leaned into spin and experience as they gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with conditions in India firmly shaping their selection.
New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects a clear focus on balance and adaptability, with spin set to play a central role in their campaign.
Led by Mitchell Santner, the side blends seasoned campaigners with in-form performers, as they look to bounce back after an early exit in the previous edition and challenge once again on the global stage.
Jacob Duffy headlines a well-rounded pace unit alongside Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne, with James Neesham providing an additional seam-bowling all-round option. While New Zealand have leaned heavily into spin through all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, the fast-bowling group remains well covered.
Tim Seifert has been named as the wicketkeeper, with Kyle Jamieson included as the travelling reserve. Jamieson could play a role during the tournament, with both Ferguson and Henry expected to take short-term paternity leave at different stages of the competition.
Here are a few takeaways from New Zealand’s squad:
Spin-heavy approach
With three league matches scheduled at Chennai’s Chepauk stadium, a venue known for aiding spin, the Kiwis have stacked their squad with proven slow-bowling options.
The attack is headlined by the experienced duo of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi. Between them, the pair boast an impressive 287 T20I wickets, bringing both control and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
The spin department is further strengthened by all-rounders Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell, all capable of providing impactful overs.
With an additional part-time option available in Chapman, New Zealand have ensured flexibility and depth in their spin resources.
Santner's stunning T20 World Cup debut
Jacob Duffy’s rise earns World Cup debut
Jacob Duffy will be looked at to lead the pace attack in his maiden T20 World Cup appearance, capping off a sensational rise in international cricket in 2025. The seamer finished the calendar year with 81 international wickets and currently sits among the top-ranked T20I bowlers in ICC Men’s Rankings.
Known for his swing and relentless accuracy, Duffy starred in series against West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa, earning his place at the global event.
He will be supported by the raw pace and experience of Lockie Ferguson, along with Matt Henry and Adam Milne, giving New Zealand a well-rounded fast-bowling unit.
Key returns bolsters balance
New Zealand’s squad also marks the return of several key players from injury, adding both firepower and depth.
Finn Allen returns after managing finger and hamstring concerns. Since 2024, Allen has scored over 500 T20I runs at a staggering strike rate of 189.4, underlining his value at the top of the order.
Mark Chapman, back from an ankle injury, comes in after a strong showing against the West Indies where he struck at a rate above 200.
Captain Mitchell Santner returns from an adductor injury, strengthening New Zealand’s spin-heavy blueprint both with the ball and as a leader.
The pace attack, meanwhile, is reinforced by the return of Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. Ferguson, who recovered from a calf injury sustained during the ILT20, remains a genuine threat with his blend of pace and precision. Henry, also coming back from a calf issue picked up during the Test series against the West Indies, continues to be a reliable option, consistently operating above 140 kmph and favouring a fuller length with the new ball.
Every delivery of Lockie Ferguson's incredible spell | T20WC24
Every delivery of Lockie Ferguson's incredible spell | T20WC2
Experience remains the backbone
Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand in what will be his ninth senior ICC global event, underlining the experience at the core of the squad. Fellow spinner Ish Sodhi joins him a decade after the pair featured together in the same tournament in India, adding a layer of familiarity.
The squad also features proven performers such as Devon Conway, James Neesham and Daryl Mitchell, whose experience in high-pressure ICC events could prove crucial.
Ferguson’s ability to combine raw pace with sharp control adds further bite, that could prove impactful for the Kiwis.
Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner: New Zealand's spin twins | T20 World Cup
New Zealand will be aiming to rediscover their best form after failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2024, following strong runs as finalists in 2021 and semi-finalists in 2022.
With spin firing in recent series, including Santner and Sodhi topping the wicket charts against West Indies, the Blackcaps will back their experience and conditions-based strategy to mount a serious challenge once again.
They are grouped in Group D with South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and UAE and will look to get accustomed to the Indian conditions in the white-ball series, that includes a five-match T20I series, ahead of the global event.
New Zealand's group fixtures:
February 8: vs Afghanistan, Chennai
February 10: vs UAE, Chennai
February 14: vs South Africa, Ahmedabad
February 17: vs Canada, Chennai