New Zealand announce squad for ODI series against India; Allen, Ferguson, Seifert named
Mitchell Santner leads a New Zealand ODI squad featuring Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson for the upcoming five-match series against India.
New Zealand has officially unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated five-match ODI series against India, featuring several high-profile returns and a strategic squad rotation plan. Mitchell Santner has been appointed to lead the BLACKCAPS in this crucial encounter, which follows a T20I series later this month.
Key Returns and Strategic Rotations
The squad announcement brings significant excitement for fans as several key players make their return to the One Day International format. Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson, both of whom have not featured in an ODI since 2023, have been brought back into the fold to bolster the batting and bowling departments. Ferguson's inclusion is particularly noteworthy, as his last ODI appearance was during the high-stakes ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai.
Adding further strength to the middle order, Tim Seifert returns to the side after an 18-month hiatus from the ODI format. Additionally, star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is set to rejoin the team for the opening phase of the series, recovering from a shoulder injury that had previously sidelined him from the T20I squad.
A Two-Phase Squad Approach
In a tactical move to manage player workloads and prepare for upcoming Test commitments, New Zealand Cricket has split the squad into two distinct groups. The core group will handle the first three matches, while seven additional players will join the squad for the final two ODIs.
This rotation ensures that certain players can travel to Wellington after the third match to begin preparations for the subsequent Test series against India. The full 14-member Test squad is expected to be announced in early November.
Full Squad Breakdown
Squad for ODIs 1–3:
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Nathan Smith
- Will Young
- Blair Tickner
Squad for ODIs 4 & 5:
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Finn Allen
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Kristian Clarke
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Fisher
- Lockie Ferguson
- Mitch Hay (WK)
- Nick Kelly
- Tim Seifert (WK)
- Blair Tickner
- Will Young
Looking Ahead to the Series
The BLACKCAPS will enter this series with confidence, aiming to replicate the success of their historic victory in India this past January. That 2-1 series win marked the first time New Zealand had ever secured an ODI series victory on Indian soil.
The action kicks off on November 4 at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland, following the conclusion of the five-match T20I series which is scheduled to run from October 22 to November 1.