New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced squads for the five-match ODI series against India, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson returning to the 50-over format after three years. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have also earned recalls, while Rachin Ravindra has returned after recovering from a shoulder injury.
White-ball captain Mitchell Santner will lead the side during the series, which begins at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. Seven players will join the squad for the final two ODIs as several members leave early to prepare for the Test series, which begins at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19.
New Zealand Coach Rob Walter Explains Split Squad and World Cup Focus
Head coach Rob Walter said the series would provide valuable preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team will face India in front of home supporters, while the split-squad arrangement will give additional players an opportunity to test themselves against a strong international side.
“First and foremost this is huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side,” Walter said. “With the ODI World Cup just one year away it’s important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event.”
Walter will remain with the New Zealand ODI squad for the final two matches. The split also allows the team to assess its depth against a strong opponent while giving players in the Test plans additional preparation time.
The series will mark Luke Ronchi’s final assignment as New Zealand’s batting coach. He will leave the role to become head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia‘s Big Bash League.
Ronchi, bowling coach Jacob Oram and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson will leave the ODI group after the third match to begin Test preparations in Wellington. Newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling will join them ahead of the first Test.
Notably, the Black Caps beat India 2-1 in an ODI series on Indian soil in January. That victory marked their first bilateral ODI series win in India.
Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert Recalled in New Zealand Squad
Lockie Ferguson last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The fast bowler has returned alongside opener Finn Allen, who last featured in the format against Bangladesh in September 2023 and missed out on selection for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has also returned to the ODI setup for the final two matches. His last appearance in the format came during the team’s home series against Pakistan around 18 months ago.
Rachin Ravindra will feature in the first three ODIs after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot last month. The injury ruled him out of the preceding T20I series against India. Mark Chapman has also been included after recovering from injury.
New Zealand will also be without three injured fast bowlers. Zak Foulkes has been ruled out with a hip flexor problem, Will O’Rourke is recovering from a calf strain, and Ben Sears is sidelined with an ankle injury. All three were unavailable for selection as they continue their rehabilitation.
New Zealand ODI Squads for India Series
First three ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.
Final two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly (wicketkeeper), Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
