In a significant development for the Blackcaps’ campaign, New Zealand has been forced to revise its squad during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The change comes as a result of a recurring injury to a key all-rounder, prompting the Event Technical Committee to approve a replacement that brings a fresh yet experienced face into the mix.
Injury Blow to Michael Bracewell
The New Zealand camp has suffered a major setback with the news that Michael Bracewell will play no further part in the remainder of the T20 World Cup. The 34-year-old all-rounder re-injured his left calf during warm-up sessions ahead of New Zealand’s opening matches in India. This latest injury is particularly frustrating for Bracewell, as it is an aggravation of the calf tear he originally sustained during the third ODI against India last month.
Bracewell had undergone intensive rehabilitation to ensure he was fit for the global showpiece. While he initially appeared to be on the right track, the re-injury occurred while he was carrying out support duties during the match against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8. Subsequent medical scans confirmed the severity of the setback, with experts indicating a recovery period of approximately three weeks. Given the high-intensity nature of the tournament schedule, this timeline effectively ruled him out of the Blackcaps’ plans for the rest of the event.
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Cole McConchie Steps into the Squad
Following the ruling, the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially approved Cole McConchie as the replacement for Bracewell. McConchie, who captains the Canterbury Kings in New Zealand’s domestic circuit, has been drafted in from the travelling reserves to join the primary 15-man squad.
McConchie is no stranger to the international stage, though it has been some time since his last appearance for the national side in April 2024. The 34-year-old off-spinning all-rounder earned his recall following a standout domestic season. He was particularly impressive during the Super Smash 2025-26, where he led the Kings’ bowling attack by taking 14 wickets with an efficient economy rate of 7.71. His inclusion is seen as a tactical move to maintain the squad’s balance, providing both a reliable spin option and a capable lower-order bat.
Head Coach Rob Walter Reflects on the Change
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed deep disappointment for Bracewell, noting the player’s immense dedication to being part of this World Cup. Walter emphasized that seeing a player ruled out due to injury is always difficult, especially given the hard work Bracewell put into his recovery following the initial injury in January. The coach extended his best wishes for a smooth recovery, acknowledging how much representing New Zealand means to the veteran all-rounder.
However, Walter remained optimistic about what McConchie brings to the group. Describing him as a “seasoned campaigner,” Walter highlighted McConchie’s wealth of T20 experience and his versatile skill set. The coach noted that having an “experienced head” to lean on is invaluable during the high-pressure environment of a World Cup, especially as the team moves into the critical middle stages of the group proceedings.
New Zealand’s Tournament Progress
Despite the injury concerns, the Blackcaps have made a flying start to their 2026 campaign. They opened their account with a convincing five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Chennai, where the bowlers successfully navigated the challenging conditions. This was followed by a dominant 10-wicket win over the UAE, a match highlighted by a record-breaking opening stand of 175 runs.
The squad now looks ahead to their third group-stage fixture against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With two wins from two matches, the Kiwis are in a strong position, but the loss of Bracewell will test their depth. The updated squad features Mitchell Santner as captain, supported by a potent mix of power hitters like Finn Allen and Devon Conway, and a pace attack led by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. Cole McConchie joins Ben Sears as the current reserves as the team prepares for the business end of the tournament.
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