- By Vishal Pushkar
- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20 World Cup 2026: The Blackcaps have named a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7. The left-arm spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the side into the multi-nation tournament. A veteran of 122 international matches in the format, Santner has picked 130 wickets at a staggering average of 22.89.
Also, Santner can strike a long ball down the order. Notably, the 33-year-old has 848 runs in his T20I career which includes 2 half-centuries.
Matt Henry, Ferguson To Miss Some Matches: NZ Cricket
Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry have been named in the squad, however, both of them are expected to miss a few matches due to paternity leave. Both players are also among a group of New Zealand players recovering from injuries ahead of the tournament.
A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, "With Ferguson and Henry's partners due to give birth during the tournament period, it is likely they will be granted short-term paternity leave."
Also, Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle) and captain Santner (adductor) are another set of players who are recovering from their respective injuries.
Adam Milne, who last played for New Zealand in July, and veteran all-rounder James Neesham are also part of the T20 World Cup squad.
Jacob Duffy has also earned his maiden call-up for the World Cup. Kyle Jamieson has been included as a travelling reserve.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand will play a white-ball series in India. The Black Caps will play three ODIs and five T20Is against the Men in Blue.
New Zealand squad for 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Mitchell Santner (captain), 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
Travelling Reserve: Kyle Jamieson
Inputs from Agency