New Zealand have named contrasting leadership groups for their upcoming white-ball tour of India, with Michael Bracewell appointed ODI captain and Mitchell Santner set to return as T20I skipper, as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the subcontinent.
The selections reflect a careful balance between injury management, workload control, and future planning, with several fresh faces rewarded for strong domestic and ‘A’ team performances.
Bracewell takes charge, new faces get opportunity
Bracewell will lead a 15-member ODI squad in the absence of Santner, whose groin injury is being carefully managed. The squad features a strong injection of new talent, highlighted by the maiden call-up for left-arm fingerspinner Jayden Lennox, alongside uncapped allrounder Kristian Clarke.
Also included are Adithya Ashok, Josh Clarkson, and fast bowler Michael Rae, who recently made his Test debut against West Indies. Senior figures Kane Williamson (SA20 commitments) and Tom Latham (family reasons) will miss the ODIs, while Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy have been rested after a demanding home season.
ODI Squad v India: Michael Bracewell (C), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
Santner returns to lead T20I World Cup push
Santner will resume leadership duties in the five-match T20I series, viewed as a key rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
The T20I squad welcomes back Mark Chapman and Matt Henry, both returning from injury, while power-hitters Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson add firepower to the middle order. Henry will skip the ODIs as he continues recovery from a calf injury, targeting full fitness for the T20Is and the World Cup.
The squad will be further strengthened later in the tour, with Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert joining after completing franchise commitments in the ILT20, SA20 and BBL.
T20I Squad v India: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
Selectors eye subcontinent conditions
Head coach Rob Walter underlined the importance of exposure to Indian conditions, particularly for emerging players.
“Playing in the sub-continent is obviously very different to what we’re used to in New Zealand. Any opportunity to expose our players to those conditions is invaluable, especially ahead of a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent,” Walter said.
Lennox, who has taken eight wickets in five Ford Trophy matches this season, was singled out as a long-term prospect following sustained domestic performances.
With leadership clarity, emerging depth, and World Cup ambitions firmly in focus, New Zealand’s India tour shapes as a defining phase in their white-ball cycle, blending immediate results with long-term vision on the global stage.
