New Zealand Cricket has announced a 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India, with white-ball captain Mitchell Santner set to lead the side. The series begins on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch and will be played across four cities over 11 days.
The squad features a strong pace attack, with seven fast bowlers included. Experienced pacer Adam Milne returns to the national setup after more than a year, while all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out after suffering a right shoulder dislocation during a promotional shoot.
Ravindra is expected to undergo around six weeks of rehabilitation and is targeting a return for the ODI series against India, which begins on November 4 in Auckland.
Mitchell Santner to Captain New Zealand Against India
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the five-match T20I series as the Blackcaps prepare to host India during their 12-match all-format tour.
The opening T20I will take place at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 22. The second match will also be played in Christchurch on October 24 before the series moves to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
The T20I schedule is:
1st T20I: October 22 — Christchurch
2nd T20I: October 24 — Christchurch
3rd T20I: October 27 — Wellington
4th T20I: October 30 — Auckland
5th T20I: November 1 — Hamilton
The T20I series will be followed by five ODIs and two Tests as part of India's 12-match tour of New Zealand.
Adam Milne Returns After More Than a Year
One of the major developments in the squad is the return of Adam Milne.
The 34-year-old fast bowler last represented New Zealand against Zimbabwe more than a year ago. He missed the T20 World Cup because of injury but has now returned to the Blackcaps squad.
Milne brings substantial T20 experience to the squad, having played 243 T20 matches, including 56 internationals, according to New Zealand Cricket.
He joins an experienced pace group featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, while Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith provide additional fast-bowling options.
New Zealand Name Seven Fast Bowlers
New Zealand have opted for considerable pace depth for the India series.
The seven fast bowlers in the squad are:
Adam Milne
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Jacob Duffy
Zak Foulkes
Nathan Smith
NZC said the depth will also help the team manage workloads during a busy international season, with a significant volume of white-ball and Test cricket scheduled over the coming months.
Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out With Shoulder Injury
The biggest absence from the New Zealand squad is Rachin Ravindra.
The all-rounder has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot last week.
His rehabilitation is expected to take approximately six weeks. Ravindra is targeting a return for the ODI series against India, which starts at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team was disappointed by Ravindra's setback but remained hopeful that he would recover in time for the ODI series.
Ben Sears Also Misses Out
Fast bowler Ben Sears has not been selected as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.
His absence further explains New Zealand's decision to name a seven-man pace group for the T20I series.
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert Reunited at the Top
New Zealand are also set to reunite Finn Allen and Tim Seifert as their opening combination.
The pair last opened together for New Zealand during their impressive T20 World Cup campaign.
Allen produced a memorable performance in the semi-final against South Africa, smashing an unbeaten century from 33 balls. Seifert contributed 58 from 33 deliveries as New Zealand secured a nine-wicket victory.
Seifert also arrives after a productive campaign in The Hundred, where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 168 and was named Player of the Tournament.
13 T20 World Cup Players Retained
New Zealand have maintained considerable continuity from their T20 World Cup squad.
According to NZC, 13 players from the side that finished runners-up to India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year have been included in the squad for the home series.
Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne, who missed the World Cup because of injuries, have returned to the squad.
The combination gives New Zealand a mix of established international players and younger options ahead of the five-match series.
More Than 76,000 Tickets Already Sold
The India tour has generated strong interest in New Zealand, with more than 76,000 tickets already sold around a month before the opening T20I.
New Zealand Cricket said the 12-match tour is on track to become a major home-season attraction. The complete tour consists of five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
India vs New Zealand T20I Series: Full NZ Squad
New Zealand T20I squad:
Mitchell Santner (Captain)
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
The squad was officially announced by New Zealand Cricket on September 23, 2026.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026-27: What's Next?
The five-match T20I series is only the first part of India's extensive tour of New Zealand.
After the T20Is, the teams will play five ODIs beginning November 4. The tour will then conclude with two Tests, beginning November 19 in Wellington and November 27 in Christchurch.
The T20I series will also be the first meeting between the two sides since the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final in March, according to New Zealand Cricket.
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