Published:
New Zealand have announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20 International series against India, with Mitchell Santner set to captain the Black Caps on home soil. Fast bowler Adam Milne returns to the squad, while all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the T20I leg because of a shoulder injury.
The series begins on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, as New Zealand prepare to face India in one of the major fixtures of their home international summer.
New Zealand have selected an experienced group for the five-match series, combining established international batters, all-rounders and a substantial pace-bowling contingent.
Santner, New Zealand's white-ball captain, will lead the side as the team looks to make the most of home conditions. The squad includes regular contributors such as Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
According to New Zealand Cricket's official announcement, 13 members of the squad were part of the New Zealand team that finished runner-up to India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier in 2026.
Fast bowler Adam Milne is among the notable inclusions. His selection strengthens a pace attack that also features Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Milne's return gives New Zealand another experienced fast-bowling option as the team prepares for five T20Is across four cities in 11 days.
The squad's depth could also allow the management to rotate players and manage workloads during the series. New Zealand Cricket has indicated that it intends to make use of the full squad during the busy international period.
Rachin Ravindra will not feature in the T20I series after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in September.
New Zealand Cricket said his rehabilitation was expected to take around six weeks, with the aim of making him available for the subsequent ODI series against India, which is scheduled to begin on November 4.
His absence removes a versatile batting all-rounder from New Zealand's options for the shortest format. However, the squad retains several experienced batting and spin-bowling resources.
The anticipated ODI return remains dependent on his recovery and fitness; it should not be treated as a confirmed selection.
The 16-member squad announced by New Zealand Cricket is:
Mitchell Santner (captain)
Finn Allen
Michael Bracewell
Devon Conway
Jacob Duffy
Lockie Ferguson
Zak Foulkes
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Adam Milne
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Nathan Smith
The opening T20I is scheduled for October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The five-match series will continue across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
- 1st T20I: October 22 — Christchurch
- 2nd T20I: October 24 — Christchurch
- 3rd T20I: October 27 — Wellington
- 4th T20I: October 30 — Auckland
- 5th T20I: November 1 — Hamilton
All dates are for 2026. Check the official fixture listing for match timings and any subsequent schedule changes.
New Zealand's pace depth and Santner's leadership will be important storylines throughout the series. Milne's return adds another fast-bowling option, while Ravindra's recovery will be a key consideration ahead of the ODI leg.
With India arriving as the reigning T20 World Cup champions, the five matches offer New Zealand an opportunity to test their squad against high-quality opposition at home.
New Zealand Cricket — BLACKCAPS unleash pace attack | Milne returns - Ravindra ruled out
https://www.nzc.nz/blackcaps-unleash-pace-attack-milne-returns-ravindra-ruled-out/
Supports the official squad list, Santner's captaincy, Milne's return, Ravindra's injury and the series dates.
The Indian Express — Ravindra misses; Milne comes in. Who else is in NZ squad to face IND for upcoming T20I series
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ravindra-misses-milne-comes-in-who-else-is-nz-squad-to-face-ind-in-t20i-series-10890029/
Independent cross-check of the squad, injury absence and series opening date.
Yahoo Sports — New Zealand squad for India series 2026: Full team lists for NZ vs IND T20I series
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/zealand-squad-india-series-2026-035536672.html
Original article supplied for this report and the initial reporting reference.
