New Zealand squad for India T20Is: Michael Bracewell doubtful; Young gun added

New Zealand [Source: AFP]

In an important update, New Zealand have made a notable change to their squad for the upcoming T20I series against India. The five-match series is set to begin on Wednesday, 21 January, with the opening game scheduled to be played in Nagpur. 

As part of this change, New Zealand on Tuesday added one more player to strengthen their lineup for the early part of the series.

Kristian Clarke added to New Zealand squad

Notably, Kristian Clarke will continue to stay with the Black Caps in India after being officially included in the T20I squad for the first three matches of the series. This decision came as New Zealand look to manage their players carefully, especially with a busy schedule and several fast bowlers in the mix. 

It is important to note that the series opener will take place on Wednesday night, marking Clarke’s potential first appearance in T20Is on Indian soil.

Clarke recently made a strong impression during the ODI series against India. He made his ODI debut in that series and quickly proved his worth by picking up seven wickets across the three matches. 

Black Caps head coach explains Clarke’s inclusion

Black Caps head coach Rob Walter explained that Clarke’s inclusion is mainly for backup purposes as the team looks to balance and protect its fast-bowling resources. 

“We’ve got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket and the rest coming off the India ODI series and Super Smash.

Walter further added that having Clarke around for the first three games gives the team enough pace-bowling options while also offering the young player a valuable chance to gain more experience.

“We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India.

Michael Bracewell suffers injury during final ODI vs India

Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell  has travelled with the T20I squad to Nagpur despite suffering a minor left-calf strain while fielding in the final ODI in Indore. The team management confirmed that Bracewell will be closely monitored over the next few days before deciding on his availability for the rest of the tour. 

In another concern, pace bowler Adam Milne picked up a left hamstring injury while playing in the SA20 league and is currently undergoing assessment.

Despite these challenges, Walter said the team arrived in Nagpur in positive spirits after their historic ODI series win in Indore. 

Meanwhile, reports suggest that New Zealand will miss James Neesham in the first T20I, as the star all-rounder has chosen to continue playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. 

Although Neesham remains part of the squad for the India tour and the T20 World Cup 2026, his delayed arrival means he will not be available for the opening match.

New Zealand's updated T20I squad against India

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, *Kristian Clarke (games 1, 2 & 3)