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Santner to Lead New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Amid Injury, Paternity Concerns

New Zealand Cricket has announced Mitchell Santner as captain for the 15-member squad heading to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Key pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry are included but may take short-term paternity leave during the tournament, as both are also returning from calf injuries. The squad features several players managing injuries, including Finn Allen and captain Santner himself, while Jacob Duffy earns his maiden World Cup call-up. New Zealand, placed in Group D, will begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8, following a white-ball series in India.

Key Points: NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Santner Named Captain

  • Mitchell Santner named captain
  • Lockie Ferguson & Matt Henry may miss matches for paternity leave
  • Squad includes players returning from injury
  • New Zealand in Group D with Afghanistan, South Africa
2 min read

Mitchell Santner to lead New Zealand squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Santner to lead New Zealand's 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2026. Ferguson, Henry may take paternity leave. Full squad details inside.

"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. - New Zealand Cricket"

Wellington, January 7

The New Zealand Cricket have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Star all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the 15-member squad during the marquee tournament. The 33-year-old made his T20I debut in 2015. Since then, the spin-bowling all-rounder has been a crucial member of the New Zealand squad in the shortest format.

Santner has played 122 T20Is, picking 130 wickets at an average of 22.89, along with three four-wicket hauls. With the bat, Santner has notched up 848 runs, including two fifties.

Veteran speedsters Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry might miss some matches in the T20 World Cup due to paternity leave. Both players are also among a group of New Zealand players recovering from injuries ahead of the tournament.

A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, "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 duo, who are both coming back from calf injuries, have been included in New Zealand's 15-player squad alongside Finn Allen (finger/hamstring), Mark Chapman (ankle) and captain Santner (adductor). Ferguson has not played for New Zealand since November 2024.

Adam Milne, who last played for New Zealand in July, and veteran all-rounder James Neesham are also part of the T20 World Cup squad. Jacob Duffy has also earned his maiden call-up for the World Cup. Kyle Jamieson has been included as a travelling reserve.

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.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand will play a white-ball series in India. The Black Caps will play three ODIs and five T20Is against the Men in Blue.

New Zealand squad for 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Mitchell Santner (captain), 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

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good to see NZC supporting players with paternity leave. Family first, even during a World Cup. That's the right spirit. Ferguson and Henry will be missed, but it's the correct decision. Wishing their families all the best! 👶
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Arjun K
Their group looks manageable on paper, but Afghanistan in Chennai as an opener is a tricky fixture! Spin will play a big role. Santner's leadership with the ball will be tested immediately. Looking forward to the India-NZ series before the WC too!
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Sarah B
The squad looks a bit thin on pace if Ferguson and Henry are out. Milne and Duffy will have to step up big time. Also, so many players coming back from injury... hope they are fully fit. The schedule is brutal.
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Vikram M
Always enjoy watching New Zealand play. They play hard but fair. Santner is a clever bowler in Indian conditions. But honestly, as an Indian fan, my main focus is on our boys! Hope the pre-World Cup series gives our team good practice. 💪
K
Karthik V
Good to see Rachin Ravindra in the squad! He's a fantastic talent and knows Indian conditions very well from the IPL. He could be their X-factor player. The Black Caps are always dark horses, never count them out.

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