Spin Focus for New Zealand as In-Form RCB Pacer Earns T20 World Cup Call-Up

New Zealand have gone conditions-first in naming a spin-heavy squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with in-form pacer Jacob Duffy earning his maiden senior World Cup call-up after a breakthrough year.

Duffy’s inclusion follows an outstanding 2025 in which he emerged as one of the most effective bowlers in international cricket. The 31-year-old claimed 81 wickets from 36 matches at an average of 17, breaking Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old New Zealand record for most wickets in a calendar year. He also rose to second in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, and is the only member of the squad yet to feature in a T20 World Cup.

His surge has been reflected on the franchise circuit, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru signing him for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. At the World Cup, Duffy will be part of an experienced pace attack alongside Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne, with James Neesham providing seam-bowling depth. Kyle Jamieson has been named as the travelling pace reserve.

Mitchell Santner will captain the side and is set to play his ninth senior ICC tournament. The squad composition underlines New Zealand’s intent to maximise subcontinental conditions, with spin depth a central pillar. Ish Sodhi leads the spin attack, supported by multi-skilled options Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. For Santner and Sodhi, the tournament marks a return to India for a T20 World Cup, where both made their mark at the 2016 edition.

The batting group remains largely settled, with Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert offering power and flexibility. Seifert is expected to join the squad after completing his Big Bash League commitments, having opened the season with a century for the Melbourne Renegades.

New Zealand are monitoring fitness closely ahead of the tournament. Allen (finger/hamstring), Chapman (ankle), Ferguson (calf), Henry (calf) and Santner (adductor) are all progressing through individual return-to-play programmes and are currently expected to be available when the World Cup begins. Ferguson and Henry may also take brief paternity leave during the tournament.

The BLACKCAPS will fine-tune preparations with a white-ball series in India before the World Cup. Placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE and Canada, New Zealand will look to combine experience, adaptability and depth in another global campaign.

New Zealand T20 World Cup squad

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