New Zealand have announced a 16-member squad for the five-match T20 series against India, with Rachin Ravindra ruled out and Adam Milne making his international return. Mitchell Santner will captain the Blackcaps during the series, which begins on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The squad features 13 players from the New Zealand side that finished runners-up to India at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out Against India
The biggest development from the New Zealand T20 squad announcement is the absence of Rachin Ravindra.
The all-rounder has been ruled out after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland last week.
Ravindra suffered the injury while attempting a diving catch during filming. Initial medical assessments found no major structural damage, but his rehabilitation is expected to take around six weeks.
New Zealand are hopeful that Ravindra can recover in time for the ODI series against India, which begins on November 4 at Eden Park.
His absence is significant because he contributes in both departments, offering left-handed batting and left-arm spin.
Adam Milne Returns After More Than A Year
While Ravindra’s absence is a setback, New Zealand have received a boost with the return of experienced fast bowler Adam Milne.
The 34-year-old last played for the Blackcaps against Zimbabwe more than a year ago.
Milne missed the 2026 T20 World Cup because of injury, but he has now returned to the national squad.
His inclusion strengthens an already impressive pace group.
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New Zealand Pick Seven Fast Bowlers
The squad contains a seven-man pace attack.
Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy provide international experience, while Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith offer additional options.
Milne’s return gives Santner another experienced fast-bowling option as New Zealand prepare for five T20Is across 11 days.
Ben Sears remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert Reunite
New Zealand have also reunited Finn Allen and Tim Seifert at the top of the batting order.
The pair played important roles during New Zealand’s run to the T20 World Cup final earlier this year.
Their return as an opening combination gives the Blackcaps an aggressive option at the beginning of the innings.
The squad also includes Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand T20 Squad vs India
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert and Nathan Smith.
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India vs New Zealand T20I Schedule
The five-match series will be played across four cities in New Zealand.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 22 | Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | October 24 | Christchurch |
| 3rd T20I | October 27 | Wellington |
| 4th T20I | October 30 | Auckland |
| 5th T20I | November 1 | Hamilton |
The opening match will take place at Hagley Oval, with the series then moving to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
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New Zealand Have Plenty of T20 World Cup Experience
One of the notable features of the selection is the continuity from the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
Thirteen players from the team that reached the final have been selected for the India series.
Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne are among those returning after missing the World Cup because of injuries.
That gives New Zealand a familiar core heading into the home series.
India Series Could Test New Zealand’s Pace Depth
With seven fast bowlers selected, managing workloads will be an important part of the series.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has indicated that the team wants to manage the workload of its bowlers because of the demanding international schedule ahead.
The expanded 16-member squad gives the management team the option to rotate players across the five matches.
Rachin’s Absence Adds Another Talking Point
The India series would have been another opportunity for Ravindra to play against one of the strongest T20 teams in the world.
Instead, his focus will now be on rehabilitation.
New Zealand will hope he can return for the ODI leg in November, while India will face a Blackcaps team that still contains most of the core that reached the T20 World Cup final.
With Santner leading, Milne back and Ravindra unavailable, the five-match series already has several major storylines before the first ball is bowled.
India and New Zealand will begin their five-match T20I series on October 22 in Christchurch.
