Adam Milne ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: AFP]In a significant development, experienced New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. Milne has sustained a left hamstring injury and hence won't participate in the marquee event starting on February 7. New Zealand Cricket has announced Kyle Jamieson as his replacement. It's worth noting that Adam Milne was representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2025-26 season. The fast bowler torn his left hamstring while bowling during the Sunrisers' recent encounter against MI Cape Town. He could bowl only three deliveries before leaving the field in agony. Captain Tristan Stubbs completed Adam Milne's unfinished first over and went on to deliver two more overs for his side. Milne was immediately taken for scans which revealed that he wouldn't be able to recover before the T20 World Cup. Thus, Adam Milne's injury compelled New Zealand to exclude him from their squad, roping in Kyle Jamieson as his replacement. New Zealand coach reacts to Adam Milne injury, welcomes Jamieson to T20 World Cup squadNew Zealand's head coach, Rob Walter, reckoned that Adam Milne's injury is a massive setback for the BlackCaps, given that the fast bowler showcased remarkable consistency in the SA20, scalping eleven wickets across eight matches. “We’re all gutted for Adam. He’d worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best in his eight games for the Eastern Cape Sunrisers. It's unfortunate timing for Adam and we wish him a speedy recovery," Walter was quoted as saying by NZC. Rob Walter also expressed his satisfaction at Kyle Jamieson's wildcard entry, explaining how his experience of playing cricket in India could be beneficial for the team in the T20 World Cup 2026. "It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India. He’s an integral member of our pace-bowling group and has hit the ground running on this tour. He’s a hard worker with a good set of skills and experiences that will hold him good stead for the tournament.”Kyle Jamieson's recent T20I record and performance in IPLRenowned for his ability to make the new ball talk, Kyle Jamieson has been one of the most impactful New Zealand pacers since returning from injury. The right-arm pacer has bagged 13 wickets in eleven T20Is since 2025, providing the BlackCaps with a potent wicket-taking option, especially in the powerplay. Besides appearing in 24 T20Is for New Zealand, Jamieson has also represented RCB and Punjab Kings in the IPL, scalping 14 wickets in thirteen outings. The fast bowler, who can generate prodigious seam movement and steep bounce, bagged an IPL 2026 deal worth 2 crores for the Delhi Capitals. How does Kyle Jamieson's inclusion boost New Zealand's T20 World Cup pace attack?Kyle Jamieson enjoyed stellar success in the ODI series against India, bagging six wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in three matches. Given New Zealand will play all their T20 World Cup matches in India, his recent form and experience of playing cricket in the country adds immense value to the New Zealand pace battery, which also comprises Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and James Neesham. New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2026 squadMitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi*16th travelling reserve to be confirmed in due course
