New Zealand Make Big Squad Changes Ahead of 3rd T20I: Check Who Joins and Leaves

Matt Henry is set to miss the rest of the T20I series against India as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) make big changes ahead of the crucial 3rd T20I on Sunday, October 25. New Zealand, who are already down 2-0 in the series, will look to make strategic changes to bounce back. 

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has said that the changes are being made to manage players' workloads, as India are set to tour New Zealand for a long period, including matches across all 3 formats. 

However, with New Zealand clearly missing out in crucial moments in both games, these changes could also be seen as a strategic move to strengthen their chances of making a comeback in the series.

What Are the Major Changes in New Zealand's Squad?

The first major change is Matt Henry, who is set to miss the rest of the T20I series and will join the ODI squad on November 2 in Auckland.

Another change is that pacer Lockie Ferguson will miss the 3rd T20I in Wellington and will join for the last 2 T20Is.

Meanwhile, Blair Tickner will join the T20I squad as a replacement in Wellington for the rest of the T20I games.

Kyle Jamieson will remain in Wellington following the 3rd T20I and will be available for Canterbury's second round of the Ford Trophy at the Cello Basin Reserve on October 31 before returning to the BLACKCAPS for the ODI series.

Josh Clarkson will join the squad in Auckland for the 4th and 5th T20Is, while Matt Fisher will travel with the squad to Wellington as cover for the 3rd T20I only before returning to the New Zealand A squad at Lincoln University on Wednesday.

🚨 UPDATE ON NEW ZEALAND FAST BOWLERS: Matt Henry - Not available for 3rd, 4th & 5th T20I. Lockie Ferguson - Not available for 3rd T20I. Kyle Jamieson - Not available for 4th & 5th T20I. https://t.co/UfUELXVbiS

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 25, 2026

Source: blackcaps

How Did Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson Perform in the First 2 T20Is? 

Both Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson remained expensive in the 2 T20Is, which could still be one of the reasons behind the changes in New Zealand's squad ahead of the 3rd T20I against India.

In the 1st T20I, Matt Henry conceded 57 runs in 3.4 overs. Meanwhile, in the 2nd T20I, Lockie Ferguson remained very expensive and went wicketless.

Below is the key comparison between both pacers in the first 2 T20Is.

Are There Any Changes in India's Squad? Will Ishan Kishan Return?

No, there are no changes in India's squad for the rest of the T20I series. However, Ishan Kishan missed the 2nd match due to injury and is expected to return for the 3rd game.

Meanwhile, there is no update as of now, but Ishan Kishan is likely to make a comeback in this crucial game.

India’s Squad for Rest of the Series: Shreyas Iyer (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Kumar Kushagra, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav

Also READ: India vs New Zealand T20I Series 2026: Schedule, Head-to-Head, Squads and Where to Watch