Published on: Sep 23, 2026 4:06 pm IST|Updated on: Sep 23, 2026 4:06 pm IST
The Blackcaps have announced their official 16-man T20I squad for the upcoming home series, India vs New Zealand 2026. New Zealand will be hosting India in a 5-match T20I series, set to kick off on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The marquee series marks the first meeting between the two sides in this format since their T20 World Cup 2026 final meeting, where India defeated New Zealand to retain the title.
While skipper Mitchell Santner continues as the skipper of the side, the Blackcaps have suffered a major blow in the form of all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who has been ruled out of the entire T20 leg due to a freak shoulder injury.
The Blackcaps all-rounder Rachin Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional video shoot in Auckland when he landed awkwardly on a safety mat while attempting a catch for the photoshoot. Medical assessments indicated no major structural damage, but the 26-year-old all-rounder requires roughly six weeks of rehabilitation. As a result, he is aiming for a potential return during the three-match ODI series against India starting November 4. New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter had his say on Rachin’s injury.
“We’re gutted for Rachin. He’s going to play a big role for us this summer, so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs.”
In Ravindra’s absence, 22-year-old middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs retains his spot in the squad to bolster the batting unit after an impressive unbeaten 62 against Bangladesh in his previous international appearance.
Right-arm paceman Adam Milne has returned to the national setup after more than a year. The 34-year-old, who last featured for the Blackcaps against Zimbabwe, brings a plethora of experience, having played a lot of franchise T20 cricket in the last 2-3 years.
Adam will only add leverage to the already impressive pace attack featuring the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy, alongside rising talents Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith. Meanwhile, pacer Ben Sears was not considered for selection as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
The Blackcaps selection committee has retained as many as 12 members from the squad selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell makes a welcome comeback alongside Milne after missing the global tournament due to injury.
The explosive opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will also reunite at the top of the order. The 11-day T20I leg spans four cities: Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton, forming the opening phase of India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand, which will be followed by 5 T20Is.
Here’s the complete squad of New Zealand for the 5-match India vs New Zealand 2026 T20I series.
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (WK), Nathan Smith.