By the time the Black Caps play their next T20 international, they’ll already be on their way to India, just days before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. That tour will feel very different, because Kane Williamson is now confirmed to be out of the squad. Marking a major shift in New Zealand’s setup.
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At the same time, fast bowler Will O’Rourke is still dealing with a back-stress fracture and is unlikely to recover in time to be genuinely considered. Those absences, combined with a summer full of injuries and uneven form. Mean the lineup for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka remains anything but settled.
Since early October, the Black Caps have played three home T20I series. Instead of providing clarity, those matches have only added complexity, with players drifting in and out of form and several key figures missing significant time.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter summed it up neatly after his team wrapped up a 3–1 series win over the West Indies. Saying that if picking the final 15 was easy, it would mean they had a problem. In other words, competition for spots is still alive and intense. And the door remains open for players to make their case before February arrives.
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T20 World Cup: Santner Steadies the Core as World Cup Nears
Among the players who look the most secure, Mitchell Santner continues to be the steady presence New Zealand leans on. His captaincy has been calm and controlled, his left-arm spin remains as accurate and miserly as ever, and he offers reliable late-order runs whenever required.
Another player whose importance only grows is Tim Seifert. His absence was felt during the West Indies series, because his aggression in the powerplay often sets the tone. It was particularly disappointing that fans didn’t get to see him paired with Finn Allen at the top of the order this summer.
A combination that could become central to New Zealand’s strategy in India. Matt Henry, meanwhile, sat out the West Indies series to manage a calf strain, a sensible move considering how critical he is to the pace attack. His control with the new ball and ability to strike early in innings will be vital on subcontinental pitches.
Glenn Phillips remains a small concern because of a groin injury that is taking longer to heal than expected. He will prepare for the World Cup with Otago in the Super Smash. And New Zealand will be counting on his explosive batting and electric fielding to return. Rachin Ravindra showed glimpses of form in the home matches. But did not produce the big innings many were hoping for.
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T20 World Cup Final: Ravindra Set for Big Role Despite Modest T20I Record
Even without a standout T20I resume, he will carry significant responsibility with the bat. Lockie Ferguson is another player whose experience will be needed. He has been out for months with a hamstring injury and is set to re-enter competitive cricket through franchise leagues. But his pace remains a major asset.
Finn Allen should return next month through the Big Bash League, and when paired with Seifert, he is expected to attack from ball one. Daryl Mitchell reminded everyone of his value with a couple of confident knocks against the West Indies. Further cementing his place as a fixture in this side.
Jacob Duffy also raised his stock with late-series performances after initially struggling earlier in the season, ending the year with strong T20I numbers. Michael Bracewell didn’t dominate the home T20I stretch but was a steady presence whose all-round abilities both batting and off-spin make him almost certain to be in the squad.
Tim Robinson took full advantage of injuries to others, backing up his impressive century. Against Australia with a string of fast starts against the West Indies, giving selectors something to think about for the starting XI.
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