Pace, parenthood and a few niggles – that about sums up New Zealand’s first crack at the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup squad. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, both easing back from calf strains, have been picked in a 15-strong group that looks familiar and a touch fragile. The pair could, however, miss the odd match in India as they await the arrival of their first children.
“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,” NZC noted in Tuesday’s release. The board also confirmed that every injured player is “undergoing respective return-to-play plans and are currently on track to be fit for the tournament.”
Those straining to be ready include Finn Allen (finger and hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle) and skipper Mitchell Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not bowled for New Zealand since November 2024, while Henry’s last international outing was in the home summer. Still, selector-coach Rob Walter sounded upbeat: “As always, the balance of the squad is critical. We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions, plus five all-rounders who all bring something slightly different. This is an experienced group and the players are no strangers to playing in the sub-continent, which will be valuable.”
Eight of the 15 played the 2022 edition in Australia; the additions are Henry, Jacob Duffy (a first-time World Cup pick) and travelling reserve Kyle Jamieson, whose height remains a handy change-up on slow surfaces. All-rounder James Neesham and seamer Adam Milne, each sidelined for sizeable chunks of 2025, return after proving their fitness late in the Super Smash.
Top-order spots were tight. Tim Robinson’s hundred against Australia last October was not enough to dislodge Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra or Tim Seifert, who keeps wicket with Conway as cover. Robinson will stay on call in case the calf issues flare again.
New Zealand sit in Group D with Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE. Their opener, against Afghanistan in Chennai on 8 February, is followed by a five-match T20I warm-up series in India straight after three ODIs. It is a dense schedule; quick recovery skills may prove as valuable as yorkers.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), 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.
