IND vs NZ: New Zealand include ‘breakthrough sensation’ in updated T20I squad for India series

New Zealand‘s T20I squad has undergone a late reshuffle following their historic 2-1 ODI series triumph, the Black Caps’ first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.

India vs New Zealand T20I series starting January 21 in Nagpur

The action now shifts to a five-match T20I series starting January 21 in Nagpur, followed by clashes in Raipur (Jan 23), Guwahati (Jan 25), Visakhapatnam (Jan 28), and Thiruvananthapuram (Jan 31). This series serves as the high-stakes final rehearsal for both teams before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7. After clinching the ODI decider in Indore by 41 runs behind centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, the visitors are riding a wave of unprecedented momentum. However, injuries to senior players have forced head coach Rob Walter to adjust the roster as they prepare for the tournament’s shorter format.

Historic momentum with ODI series win and final preparations

The Kiwis enter the T20I leg with immense confidence after creating history in Indore. Their 2-1 victory marked the first time in 37 years that India has lost an ODI series to New Zealand at home, punctuated by Virat Kohli‘s valiant but unsuccessful 54th ODI century. With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, this five-match series across varied Indian venues is the ultimate opportunity for the Black Caps to finalize their tactical plans. The schedule is intentionally dense, testing the squad’s depth and adaptability under sub-continental conditions.

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Inclusion of the breakthrough star for T20I series against New Zealand

Following a sensational international debut during the ODIs, young all-rounder Kristian Clarke has been officially added to the T20I squad for the first three matches. Clarke’s ability to remain calm under pressure was evident when he dismissed top-tier Indian batters and provided useful lower-order runs. Clarke picked seven wicket throughout the ODI series and dismissed Kohli two out of three times during that period. His inclusion is a strategic move to bolster the pace-bowling department while several senior members are monitored for fatigue. The coaching staff is keen to see if Clarke can translate his recent success into the 20-over format on the high-scoring grounds of Nagpur and Raipur.

Fitness trials for core all-rounders in form of Michael Bracewell

The squad is currently navigating a fitness crisis involving two of its most experienced versatile players. Michael Bracewell, who led the ODI side to victory, is nursing a minor left calf strain sustained during the series decider, while veteran seamer Adam Milne is struggling with a hamstring niggle from his recent franchise stint. Both players are vital to New Zealand’s World Cup ambitions, and their availability for the latter half of this T20I series remains uncertain. Their absence puts additional pressure on captain Mitchell Santner and the returning Rachin Ravindra to stabilize the middle order and lead the spin attack.

New Zealand updated T20I squad vs India

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke (first 3 games).

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