New Zealand Squad vs India 2026: Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson Return for ODI Series
New Zealand have announced two separate squads for their upcoming ODI series against India, with Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert returning to the 50-over setup. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has also returned to the ODI squad after recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the five-match T20I series.
The five-match ODI series will be part of India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand in October and November 2026. Mitchell Santner will captain both ODI squads, with the selectors splitting the group between the first three matches and the final two games to manage preparations for the subsequent Test series.
The announcement gives New Zealand an opportunity to assess their depth against India ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is now around a year away.
New Zealand Squad vs India 2026: Full Team List
New Zealand have selected separate squads for the first three ODIs and the fourth and fifth matches.
New Zealand Squad for First Three ODIs
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (C) | All-rounder |
| Michael Bracewell | All-rounder |
| Mark Chapman | Batter |
| Devon Conway | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Jacob Duffy | Fast bowler |
| Matt Henry | Fast bowler |
| Kyle Jamieson | Fast bowler |
| Tom Latham | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| Glenn Phillips | Batter/All-rounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder |
| Nathan Smith | All-rounder |
| Will Young | Batter |
| Blair Tickner | Fast bowler |
New Zealand Squad for Fourth and Fifth ODIs
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (C) | All-rounder |
| Finn Allen | Batter |
| Michael Bracewell | All-rounder |
| Mark Chapman | Batter |
| Kristian Clarke | Bowler |
| Jacob Duffy | Fast bowler |
| Matt Fisher | Fast bowler |
| Lockie Ferguson | Fast bowler |
| Mitch Hay | Wicketkeeper |
| Nick Kelly | Batter |
| Tim Seifert | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Blair Tickner | Fast bowler |
| Will Young | Batter |
The two squads contain 14 players for the first three ODIs and 13 for the final two. Several players will leave the ODI group after the third match to begin preparations for the Test series.
Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson Return to New Zealand’s ODI Team
Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson are among the biggest names returning to New Zealand’s ODI setup.
Allen and Ferguson have not played a 50-over international for New Zealand since 2023. Their return gives the team additional options in the batting and pace-bowling departments for the final two matches.
Tim Seifert is also back in the ODI squad, having last featured in the format in 2025. His inclusion adds another wicketkeeping and batting option to the group.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed the returning players, highlighting their ability to make an impact in international cricket. He also pointed to the depth available to the team, with 21 players set to be involved across the ODI series.
Rachin Ravindra Returns After Shoulder Injury
Rachin Ravindra’s return is another important development for New Zealand.
The all-rounder suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a promotional shoot in September and was subsequently ruled out of the T20I series against India, which begins on October 22.
His inclusion in the ODI squad indicates that New Zealand expect him to be available for the 50-over matches, beginning with the first three ODIs. Ravindra’s batting and spin bowling provide balance to the team, particularly as New Zealand prepare for the next ODI World Cup.
Why Have New Zealand Selected Two ODI Squads?
New Zealand’s decision to name two separate ODI squads is linked to the busy international schedule and the upcoming Test series against India.
The first group will play the opening three ODIs. After the third match in Hamilton on November 10, seven additional players will join the group for the fourth and fifth games.
The split will allow some members of the squad to leave early and prepare for the Test series, while other players get an opportunity to prove themselves in the final ODIs.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the selectors also want to assess their available options against a strong Indian side. Walter has described the series as a valuable opportunity to test the team’s depth.
Will O’Rourke Miss the India Series?
New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the upcoming India series as he continues his rehabilitation from injuries to his left hamstring and calf.
O’Rourke had initially sustained a hamstring injury during New Zealand’s Test series against England in June and later suffered a calf injury during training in August. The team management has opted against rushing his return.
He will instead focus on recovering fully ahead of New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia, scheduled to begin on December 9, 2026.
India vs New Zealand 2026: ODI Series Schedule
The five-match ODI series is part of India’s 12-match tour of New Zealand, which also includes five T20Is and two Test matches. The ODI series is scheduled to begin in November.
New Zealand will use the matches to assess their combinations and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while India will look to test their squad in New Zealand conditions.
The series also provides an opportunity for returning players such as Allen, Ferguson and Seifert to re-establish themselves in the ODI format.
FAQs
Who will captain New Zealand against India in the 2026 ODI series?
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in both ODI squads for the series against India.
Which players are returning to New Zealand’s ODI squad?
Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert return to the ODI setup, while Rachin Ravindra is back after a shoulder injury.
Why have New Zealand named two ODI squads?
The selectors have split the squads to manage preparations for the Test series and give more players an opportunity during the five-match ODI series.
Is Will O’Rourke playing against India?
No. O’Rourke has been ruled out of the India series while continuing his rehabilitation from hamstring and calf injuries.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s ODI squad selection for the 2026 series against India combines returning international players with a plan to manage workloads ahead of the Test matches. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert return to the 50-over setup, while Rachin Ravindra’s inclusion provides a boost after his shoulder injury.
Mitchell Santner will lead both groups as New Zealand look to test their depth against India and build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. The use of two squads should also give the selectors a closer look at their available options before the next major international tournament.
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