Mitchell Santner To Lead New Zealand In T20 World Cup 2026, Pace Sensation Jacob Duffy Named In 15-member Contingent

New Zealand have named a strong 15-member contingent for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Mitchell Santner will lead the Kiwis in this tournament, while fast-bowler Jacob Duffy has also got a call-up to the squad.

New Zealand Announce Squad For T20 World Cup

As per a New Zealand Cricket press release, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner are currently injured and are on a rehabilitation period in order to be fit for the tournament, while Ferguson and Henry have also been approved parternity leave.

"Allen (finger/hamstring), Chapman (ankle), Ferguson (calf), Henry (calf), and Santner (adductor) are undergoing respective return-to-play plans and are currently on track to be fit for the tournament.

“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.”

The Black Caps are slotted in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa and the UAE. New Zealand will play their opening T20 World Cup 2026 fixture on February 8 in Chennai against Afghanistan. As a preparation for the tournament, the Black Caps will feature in a five-match T20I series against India.

With a fresh and nugry looked nside, the Kiwis will be adamant to defy all the odds this term.

New Zealand's aim to lift an ICC trophy has eluded them for a long time since they won the inaugural World Test Championship. They couldn't reach the T20 World Cup semifinal last time while they also lost to India in the ICC Champions Trophy final at the start of this year.

Also Read: ICC Schools Bangladesh Over T20 World Cup 2026 Venue-Shift Request, Delivers Straightforward Verdict to BCB: Report

New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup

Mitchell Santner (c), 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.
 

Also Read: 'Bhaiya Vadapav Pahije Ka': Rohit Sharma's Reaction To His Fan's Hilarious Offer At The MCA Cricket Ground Goes Viral | WATCH