New Zealand fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry plan to take short paternity leaves during the 2026 T20 World Cup, as their partners expect babies around the tournament time. Both players are also healing from calf injuries but remain in the squad, with team officials confident they will be ready for action in India and Sri Lanka starting February.
Squad Reveal Amid Injury Concerns
New Zealand Cricket shared the 15-player team for the upcoming T20 World Cup on January 7, 2026. The group includes several stars dealing with fitness issues, yet all are expected to recover in time.
Mitchell Santner will captain the side, stepping up despite his own adductor strain. Other key names like Finn Allen, with finger and hamstring troubles, and Mark Chapman, nursing an ankle problem, made the cut too.
Team leaders stressed the importance of experience in subcontinent conditions. The squad blends power hitters, skilled bowlers, and versatile allrounders to tackle tough opponents.
Paternity Leave Plans for Key Bowlers
Ferguson and Henry stand out not just for their pace but also for personal milestones ahead. Officials confirmed the pair will likely step away briefly for family reasons during the event.
This move reflects modern cricket’s focus on player welfare. Past examples show teams support such leaves without hurting performance.
For New Zealand, this adds a layer of planning. Reserves like Kyle Jamieson are ready to fill in if needed.
- Ferguson last played internationally in November 2024, missing time due to his calf issue.
- Henry has shown strong form in recent outings, including a key wicket against India in 2025.
- Both bowlers aim to return stronger, balancing family and team duties.
Injury Recoveries and Comebacks
The team faces a wave of injuries, but recovery timelines look positive. Ferguson and Henry both deal with calf strains, common in fast bowlers from high-intensity play.
Santner, Allen, and Chapman follow tailored rehab plans. Experts say these setbacks are minor and won’t derail the campaign.
Adam Milne returns after a long break, last seen in July 2025. His speed could prove vital on bouncy pitches.
James Neesham adds allround depth, while Jacob Duffy earns his first World Cup spot after a record-breaking 2025 season.
Full Squad Breakdown
New Zealand’s lineup shows careful selection for balance. Here’s a quick look at the team:
| Player | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (c) | Allrounder | Captain, recovering from adductor injury |
| Finn Allen | Batter | Finger and hamstring issues |
| Mark Chapman | Batter | Ankle recovery ongoing |
| Devon Conway | Batter/Keeper | Backup keeper role |
| Lockie Ferguson | Bowler | Calf injury, paternity leave possible |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | Calf injury, paternity leave possible |
| James Neesham | Allrounder | Experienced in T20 formats |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler | Debut World Cup, strong 2025 form |
| Adam Milne | Bowler | Returning after long absence |
| Rachin Ravindra | Allrounder | Versatile batting and spin |
| Tim Seifert | Keeper/Batter | Primary wicketkeeper |
| Others | Various | Including reserves like Kyle Jamieson |
This mix ensures options for different game situations.
Group Stage Challenges Ahead
New Zealand lands in Group D with Afghanistan, Canada, and other rivals. Their opener against Afghanistan on February 8 sets the tone.
Past T20 World Cups saw the Blackcaps reach finals, like in 2021. Coach Rob Walter highlighted the squad’s subcontinent know-how as a big plus.
Injuries and leaves might test depth, but the team feels prepared. Fans watch closely as stars like Ferguson and Henry juggle roles.
Impact on Team Strategy
Paternity leaves could shift bowling plans. New Zealand might lean on Milne or Duffy for key overs.
Logical reasoning suggests short absences won’t hurt much in a long tournament. Historical data from other teams shows players often return motivated.
Recent events, like injuries in the 2025 Champions Trophy, underline the need for robust backups.
This setup could inspire other nations to prioritize player life balance.
What do you think about New Zealand’s chances? Share your views in the comments and spread the word to fellow cricket fans.
