New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, with Finn Allen and Tim Seifert set to reunite at the top of the batting order. The Blackcaps have retained 13 members of the squad that finished as runners-up to India in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while several experienced players return from injury.
The major absence from the squad is Rachin Ravindra, who has been ruled out after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot last week. New Zealand will begin the five-match series on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with the two teams meeting for the first time since the T20 World Cup final in March.
New Zealand retain 13 T20 World Cup finalists for India series
Mitchell Santner will continue to lead New Zealand in the five-match series. The squad features a strong bowling group, with Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Adam Milne providing experience alongside Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Adam Milne's return is particularly notable after he missed the T20 World Cup because of injury. The pacer last represented New Zealand against Zimbabwe more than a year ago. Michael Bracewell is another player returning after missing the World Cup through injury.
At the top of the order, Allen and Seifert will once again form New Zealand's opening combination. Ravindra, meanwhile, will miss the entire T20I series as he begins his rehabilitation.
His recovery is expected to take around six weeks, with New Zealand hoping he can return for the ODI series against India, which begins on November 4. Ben Sears was also unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
We’re gutted for Rachin Ravindra - Rob Walter
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter is looking forward to hosting India and believes the series will provide a strong start to the home summer.
“It’s going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway,” said Walter.
“India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting. We hear most of the games are going to be sold-out and it should make for some incredible occasions.
“We’ve got a near full-strength squad that covers all bases and I’m excited to see how we compete against the current T20 world champions.”
Walter also provided an update on Rachin Ravindra's recovery and stressed the importance of not rushing the all-rounder's rehabilitation.
“We’re gutted for Rachin. He’s going to play a big role for us this summer so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs."
“Our priority is winning games and putting the best team on the park, but we also have to keep in mind the volume of cricket in the coming months.
“We’re very fortunate with the depth that we’ve got to call upon, so we’ll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads.”
New Zealand squad for T20I series against India
Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith
Also Read: Rachin Ravindra to Glenn Maxwell: 5 bizarre freak injuries suffered by cricketers
from Cricket Addictor https://ift.tt/yzKReYm
