In a colossal move, New Zealand declared a spin-heavy squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka the next month.
New Zealand was drawn into Group D with teams like Afghanistan, South Africa, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first World Cup match of the Kiwis will be with Afghanistan at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
New Zealand presents a spin-heavy squad for the T20 World Cup
Mitchell Santner will be the captain of the team, and the selectors have intentionally built the squad to fit the slow and turning conditions that are expected in the subcontinent.
Santner would be in charge of a formidable spin group comprising of Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s second highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
Notably, Ish Sodhi is the sole specialist spinner in the team. He is going to be accompanied by the spin-bowling all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.
In spite of the emphasis on spin, New Zealand has also comprised a rather strong pace attack. Jacob Duffy in his first World Cup appearance will be the frontline fast bowler.
He will have experienced pacers Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne as the backup. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham will boost the team with his seam-bowling skill, too.
Kyle Jamieson is named in the reserves of pace bowlers for the World Cup and will be with the team going to India. The batting lineup consists of Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert.
Why did New Zealand choose a team full of spinners?
One of the main factors for choosing a team full of spinners is the allocation of venues. The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which is known as a spinner’s paradise, will be hosting three out of four of New Zealand’s matches during the group stage.
A few New Zealand players are already accustomed to the conditions of the stadium. Among others, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Santner have all been a part of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and they know the pitch well.
“We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different,” Walter said of his squad.
“This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”
New Zealand’s fitness troubles leading to T20 World Cup 2026
There are some fitness issues but the management of the team is still confident. Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Ferguson, Matt Henry and Santner are all expected to be fit again.
It is also worth mentioning that both Ferguson and Henry might be allowed a brief special leave during the tournament as their wives are about to give birth.
New Zealand will have a tour of India prior to the World Cup for a three-match ODI series starting January 11, which will be followed by a five-match T20I series. The majority of the squad has already started going to India, where these matches will be very significant for the preparation ahead of the global tournament.
New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad- Mitchell Santner (C), 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; Kyle Jamieson: Pace-bowling reserve