New Zealand have added all-rounder Kristian Clarke to their squad for the first three T20Is against India, beginning in Nagpur on Wednesday (21), as the Black Caps manage injury concerns to two key players ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Clarke’s inclusion provides vital depth, with Adam Milne sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the SA20 and Michael Bracewell nursing a calf issue picked up during the recent ODI series.
Both Milne and Bracewell remain part of New Zealand’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad and will be aiming to prove their fitness later in the five-match India series. However, with the opening fixtures approaching quickly, team management have opted to strengthen their pace-bowling resources early.
Clarke’s call-up follows an impressive showing in the ODI series against India, where he caught the eye with his composure and control under pressure. Head coach Rob Walter praised the youngster’s temperament, noting that his performances warranted extended involvement on his maiden tour of India.
The move underlines New Zealand’s proactive approach as they balance workload management, injury recovery and form assessment in the final stretch before the T20 World Cup. For Clarke, the opportunity offers a valuable chance to stake a claim in a highly competitive squad during a demanding tour of India.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke (first three games), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
Series schedule:
- First T20I: January 21, Nagpur
- Second T20I: January 23, Raipur
- Third T20I: January 25, Guwahati
- Fourth T20I: January 28, Visakhapatnam
- Fifth T20I: January 31, Thiruvananthapuram
