New Zealand has officially signaled a new era of white-ball cricket, naming a blend of fresh talent and returning few veterans for their upcoming tour of India starting this January. The squads highlight a strategic focus on building depth ahead of the 2026 T20I World Cup in the subcontinent.
The headline of the announcement is the inclusion of left-arm finger-spinner Jayden Lennox, who earns his maiden international call-up. Lennox has been a standout for Central Districts, claiming eight wickets in five Ford Trophy matches this season.
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Head coach Rob Walter noted that Lennox has been a “player of interest” for some time, bringing valuable New Zealand “A” experience to the squad.
The ODI squad also features uncapped bowling-allrounder Kristian Clarke, leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, and seam-bowling allrounder Josh Clarkson. Fast bowler Michael Rae, fresh off his Test debut against the West Indies, also finds a place in the 50-over setup.
In the absence of Mitchell Santner, who is currently managing a groin injury, Michael Bracewell will captain the ODI side. Santner is slated to return for the T20I leg to lead the team.
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Notable absences include Kane Williamson, who is unavailable for the ODIs due to his SA20 commitments with Durban’s Supergiants, and Tom Latham, who will miss the tour for the birth of his third child. Injury woes have also ruled out Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner.
New Zealand Preparing For T20I World Cup:
With the T20I World Cup looming, the T20I squad sees the return of Mark Chapman and Matt Henry from ankle and calf injuries. Big hitters Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson have also been included to bolster the power-hitting department. At the back end of the series, stars like Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert will join the squad after completing franchise duties.
The tour kicks off with ODIs in Vadodara on January 11, followed by a five-match T20I series starting January 21 in Nagpur.
New Zealand ODI squad vs India:
Michael Bracewell (capt), Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kule Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
New Zealand T20I squad vs India:
Mitchell Santner (capt), 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