New Zealand Cricket has announced its white-ball squads for the upcoming India tour, with left-arm fingerspinner Jayden Lennox earning his first-ever international call-up. The tour, starting in January, includes a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is and serves as crucial preparation ahead of the men’s T20 World Cup.
Jayden Lennox Headlines New Faces in New Zealand ODI Squad
Jayden Lennox has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances, particularly in the Ford Trophy where he has taken eight wickets in five matches for Central Districts this season. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter highlighted Lennox as a long-term prospect who has impressed at New Zealand A level and domestically over several seasons. His inclusion is also seen as valuable exposure to subcontinent conditions, which differ greatly from those in New Zealand.
The ODI squad features several fresh and returning names. Michael Bracewell will captain the 15-member side in the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is managing a groin injury. Uncapped bowling allrounder Kristian Clarke, legspinning allrounder Adithya Ashok, seam-bowling allrounder Josh Clarkson, and fast bowler Michael Rae are also included. Rae recently made his Test debut against the West Indies.
A few notable absences shape the squad selection. Kane Williamson is unavailable for the ODIs due to his SA20 commitments with Durban’s Super Giants, while Tom Latham will miss the series as he prepares for the birth of his third child. Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy have been rested after a demanding home summer, and several fast bowlers, including Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner, were ruled out due to injuries.
Santner Returns to Lead T20I Squad as World Cup Focus Sharpens
Mitchell Santner will return to captain the T20I side, which sees the comeback of Mark Chapman and Matt Henry following ankle and calf injuries respectively. Henry will skip the ODIs to focus on rehabilitation, with an eye on being fully fit for the T20 World Cup.
The T20I squad includes aggressive batting options such as Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson, alongside experienced players like James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell. Devon Conway will keep wicket in the T20Is, while Mitchell Hay takes on the gloves in the ODI format.
Several players currently involved in overseas leagues—Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert—are expected to join the T20I squad later in the series. This phased availability reflects New Zealand’s broader planning around workload management and peak fitness ahead of the global tournament.
The tour begins with the ODI series on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by the T20Is starting January 21 in Nagpur. With a mix of fresh talent and experienced campaigners, the India tour represents an important step in New Zealand’s white-ball rebuild and World Cup preparations.
