New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, which begins on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland. Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi make their return to the team.
Jamieson is back after recovering from a side injury that sidelined him during the ODI series against England. Sodhi rejoins the T20I squad, having played against Australia in early October.
“Kyle’s been back bowling this week and is tracking nicely for this series. Nathan’s made an impressive start to his international career in the Test and ODI formats and we back him to do the job if he gets his T20 chance in this series.
“Ish is our most capped T20I player and it’s always great to be able to add his skills, energy and experience to the group,” head coach Rob Walter said.
NZC confirmed that uncapped all-rounder Nathan Smith is included in the 14-player squad and may make his T20I debut after being part of squads against Sri Lanka last season.
Matt Henry, who missed the final two ODIs against England due to a calf strain, will sit out the West Indies T20 series to undergo a pre-planned conditioning block in preparation for the ODI and Test series.
Kane Williamson Calls Time
Kane Williamson was not considered for selection after announcing his retirement from T20 International cricket earlier today. “His contribution to the team in this format has been immense, both in terms of his runs and leadership. To have captained the T20 side in 75 of his 93 games gives an indication of his influence and service to the side,” Walter said.
The upcoming five-game series will be New Zealand’s final T20I matches before coach Walter names his preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
“It’s great to have five opportunities to take on a dangerous side like the West Indies. I know the team is looking forward to getting into the rhythm of a full series and building some momentum following the rain-affected series to start the summer.
“The T20 World Cup is coming closer and will obviously be part of people’s thinking, but we need to make sure our focus is on the series at home and playing well in front of our home fans,” he said.
Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) were all unavailable due to injuries.
New Zealand squad for the West Indies T20Is: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.
The West Indies will arrive in New Zealand on Sunday and play five T20Is, three ODIs, and a three-Test series, which will run until Christmas.
