ind vs nz t20: India’s T20I Squad Announced with Shreyas Iyer as Captain

Squad and captain

On 6 October 2026 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Shreyas Iyer was named captain and Tilak Varma appointed vice‑captain. The list blends experienced campaigners with several new faces, including wicket‑keepers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, all‑rounders Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, and bowlers such as Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. source

Match schedule and venues

The five‑match series will begin in Christchurch on 22 October 2026, with the second game also in Christchurch two days later. The third fixture moves to Wellington on 27 October, followed by the fourth match in Auckland on 30 October. The series concludes in Hamilton on 1 November 2026. source

Selection panel under Pragyan Ojha

Following the conclusion of Ajit Agarkar’s term on 4 October 2026, the BCCI appointed former spinner Pragyan Ojha as interim chairman of the senior men’s selection committee. Ojha, who has the most Test appearances among the remaining members, was asked to chair the panel temporarily. The board invited applications for one vacancy on the panel, requiring at least seven Tests or equivalent experience, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on 14 October 2026. If appointed full‑time on seniority, Ojha could retain the role. source

Gautam Gambhir’s tribute to Ajit Agarkar

India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Agarkar’s contribution, noting that India won three ICC trophies (2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 T20 World Cup) during his tenure as chairman. Gambhir’s remarks appeared in the Times of India on 7 October 2026. source

What comes next for ODI and Test squads

The BCCI advisory clarified that the ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour will be announced at a later date. Readers interested in the ind vs nz t20 series can now refer to the confirmed T20I squad, match dates, and the ongoing selection‑panel process.