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Tom Bruce, who once played for New Zealand, will now represent Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Scotland selectors have named a 15-member squad for the tournament which begins on February 7. The team will be led by Richie Berrington and guided by new head coach Owen Dawkins. Bruce is the most talked about name in the squad because he has played T20Is for New Zealand in the past.

Scotland did not qualify directly. The team advanced to the tournament after Bangladesh made an unexpected withdrawal from competition. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the event because they were the top-ranked team that were not qualified for the marquee event. Scotland has been placed in Group C which includes England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies as a result of this adjustment. Their first match against West Indies will start on February 7 at Eden Gardens.

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Tom Bruce played 17 T20Is for New Zealand and scored 279 runs. He also hit two half-centuries. His career strike rate in T20Is stands at 122.36. In 2025, Bruce became eligible to play for Scotland through his father, who was born in Edinburgh. He had even represented a Scotland Development side back in 2016 before shifting his cricket career to New Zealand. After switching, Bruce played two ODIs for Scotland as well.

Bruce switched to Scotland in August 2025. The T20 World Cup is now set to be his biggest assignment for Scotland after he became available for national selection. His inclusion gives Scotland much-needed experience in the middle order and adds strength to their batting unit. Bruce said earlier that it was exciting to play for Scotland and he wanted to give his best when the chance came.

Apart from Bruce, Afghanistan-born Zainullah Ihsan has earned his first call-up. This new player strengthens the team and demonstrates Scottish cricket's progress in discovering fresh talent which their new head coach is developing. The squad also includes experienced names like Michael Leask, Mark Watt, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif and Matthew Cross. Two travelling reserves and three non-travelling reserves have also been named.

Scotland finished third in their group during the T20 World Cup 2024 but did not qualify because their net run rate was lower than England despite both teams having identical points. Scotland intends to achieve deeper success in 2026 because of Bruce's addition and returning experienced team members.

Scotland Squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Oli Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal