New Zealand’s T20 World Cup Blow: Adam Milne Ruled Out, Kyle Jamieson Steps In

New Zealand’s T20 World Cup campaign has been dealt a significant setback with the news that fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the tournament due to a torn left hamstring.

Milne sustained the injury on January 18 while playing for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the ongoing SA20. He will be replaced in the 15-man squad by Kyle Jamieson, who was initially named as a travelling reserve. Another reserve player will be announced in due course.

Wishing Adam all the best for his recovery 🖤

Full story at https://t.co/3YsfR1Y3Sm or the NZC app 📲 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/AGvd4HKFRe

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 23, 2026

This is the latest in a string of injury concerns for the Black Caps. The pace-bowling department has been especially hard hit, with Will O’Rourke, Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith, and Ben Sears all currently sidelined. Furthermore, key players like captain Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, and Matt Henry have only recently returned from injuries themselves.

Compounding the challenge, strike bowler Lockie Ferguson is recovering from a calf injury and missed the ongoing series in India, while both Ferguson and Henry are expected to take paternity leave during parts of the World Cup.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment, saying, “We’re all gutted for Adam. He’d worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament… It’s unfortunate timing.” On Jamieson’s inclusion, Walter added, “It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India… He’s a hard worker with a good set of skills and experiences.”

Updated New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

                                               

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