IND vs NZ: Clarke added to New Zealand squad for first three T20Is against India as injury cover for Bracewell, Milne

After making his ODI debut in the historic 2-1 series triumph over India, pacer Kristian Clarke has been added to New Zealand squad for the first three T20Is of the five-match series beginning on Wednesday in Nagpur.

The 24-year-old Clarke, who dismissed Virat Kohli twice while picking five more wickets in ODIs, has been asked to stay as an injury cover for all-rounder Michael Bracewell and pacer Adam Milne.

The 34-year-old Bracewell, who led the side in ODIs, sustained a minor left-calf strain while fielding in the third and final game in Indore on Sunday. While he has travelled with the team to Nagpur, a decision over his involvement in the T20Is will be taken after treating and monitoring his injury.

Milne injured his left hamstring while bowling for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 on Sunday.

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New Zealand coach Rob Walter said, “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.

“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.

“He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure.”

The T20 series will help New Zealand prepare for next month’s World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The Kiwis are placed in Group D with South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and UAE. The Mitchell Santner-led side will face Afghanistan in its first game in Chennai on February 8.

Published on Jan 20, 2026