🏏 NZ Squads Named for India Tour as T20 WC Looms

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Santner returns to lead T20Is with 6.79 economy rate
2🏆 Bracewell captains ODIs amid NZ's World Cup focus
3💡 Spin duo Santner-Sodhi targets Indian pitches (avg 21.45)
4🔮 Tour shapes NZ Group B hopes starting Feb 7, 2026
5💬 "Key prep for sub-continent" – Santner

"New Zealand have named their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming India tour, with Men’s T20 World Cup preparations guiding selection decisions."

New Zealand have unveiled their ODI and T20I squads for the high-stakes tour of India, with Mitchell Santner captaining the T20Is and Michael Bracewell leading the ODIs. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as the Black Caps gear up for sub-continent conditions ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7. The five-match T20I series following three ODIs offers crucial acclimatisation, blending experience with emerging talent in a squad primed for World Cup glory.

The selections reflect New Zealand's strategic focus on T20 World Cup readiness, featuring Santner's return from injury—he boasts a T20I economy of 6.79 and 51 wickets in 57 matches. Bracewell, ODI captain, brings all-round prowess with 1,000+ ODI runs and 20 wickets. Veterans like Devon Conway (1,683 T20I runs at 55.43 average) and Daryl Mitchell anchor the batting, while Rachin Ravindra's breakout form adds dynamism. This tour revives bilateral rivalry, last dominated by India's 5-0 whitewash in 2023.

Black Caps' Sub-Continent Blueprint

New Zealand's squad balances spin-heavy expertise for Indian pitches, with Santner (T20I spin average 21.45) and Ish Sodhi (100+ T20I wickets) leading the attack. Jacob Duffy and Tim Robinson earn call-ups based on domestic hauls—Duffy's 28 wickets in recent Super Smash. Historically, NZ struggled in India (T20I win rate 28%), but Santner's 2016 IPL success and Ravindra's 2023 ODI World Cup (578 runs) echo Kane Williamson's adaptive 2020 UAE campaign, signaling tactical evolution.

World Cup Stakes and Series Ripple Effects

This tour shapes New Zealand's Group B prospects at the 2026 T20 World Cup, testing seamers like Matt Henry (4.37 T20I economy) against India's explosive batting. Bracewell's ODI leadership, post-Tom Latham's era, eyes Champions Trophy qualification. Comparisons to England's 2022 T20 WC triumph highlight NZ's all-round depth—Glenn Phillips's 578 sixes in T20s rivals global elites. A strong showing could boost morale amid NZ's transitional phase.

Road to T20 World Cup Glory

The series kicks off with ODIs on January 11 in Vadodara, escalating to T20Is by January 31, setting the tone for NZ's World Cup campaign. Fans must watch Bevon Jacobs and Zak Foulkes for breakthroughs, as India's Shubman Gill-led side looms large. Unanswered questions around Santner's fitness and spin dominance make this unmissable viewing.