New Zealand has officially named a 16-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20 International series against India, scheduled to begin on October 22. The series will be hosted across various venues in New Zealand as the Indian side travels for the bilateral tour. Ahead of the contest, the hosts have suffered a notable setback, with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra ruled out of the entire series due to an injury. In positive news for the side, fast bowler Adam Milne has made his comeback to the national setup after proving his fitness.
Squad Dynamics, Key Comebacks, and Injury Setbacks
The 16-player group features 13 players who were part of the nation's T20 World Cup setup, maintaining structural stability across the line-up. Off-spin bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell has overcome fitness issues to return to the national side, accompanied by pacer Adam Milne. However, injuries have created significant gaps elsewhere, as Rachin Ravindra misses out alongside fast bowler Ben Sears, who remains sidelined with an ankle issue. To reinforce the middle-order batting options, selectors have called up Bevon Jacobs. Jacobs has played 11 T20 Internationals so far, demonstrating his form with an unbeaten 62-run performance against Bangladesh in his most recent outing.
Pace Attack Depth and Bowling Setup
Fast bowler Adam Milne is set to feature in his first T20 International in roughly a year, having last played in the format against South Africa in July 2025. He joins a formidable and deep fast bowling collective assembled for the five-match engagement against India. The pace bowling department features an array of options including Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Nathan Smith, providing varied bowling styles suited to New Zealand's home conditions.
Tour Schedule and Itinerary Details
The five-match series gets underway at Christchurch on October 22 with the opening fixture, followed swiftly by the second match at the same venue on October 24. Action then shifts to Wellington for the third clash on October 27, before the teams head to Auckland for the fourth game on October 30. The T20I leg concludes on November 1 at Hamilton. Following the conclusion of the shortest-format matches, the two sides will transition to a five-match One-Day International series starting on November 4.
Full New Zealand Squad Roster
Mitchell Santner has been tasked with leading the New Zealand side throughout the series. The complete roster includes Mitchell Santner as captain, alongside Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, and Bevon Jacobs.
