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New Zealand Cricket has announced separate squads for the five-match ODI series against India, with white-ball captain Mitchell Santner set to lead both groups. The move reflects careful planning around player workload as the Black Caps prepare for a multi-format home series that includes Tests after the limited-overs contests.
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The ODI series begins on 4 November at Eden Park in Auckland and continues through Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui, concluding on 15 November. It follows a five-match T20I series scheduled from 22 October to 1 November. A two-Test series against India will then take place, with the first Test in Wellington. For the opening three ODIs, New Zealand have named a near full-strength side featuring several established performers.
New Zealand name split squads for home ODI series against India; Ravindra alongside these star players return
Meanwhile, New Zealand has announced different squads for the series vs India, which marks the return of some star players. The squad has names like Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner. Ravindra’s inclusion is particularly notable as he marks his comeback.
The all-rounder missed the T20I series after dislocating his shoulder while diving for a catch during a promotional shoot last month. His return strengthens the batting and spin options for the early matches. The group largely builds on the core that secured a historic 2-1 ODI series victory in India earlier this year, New Zealand’s first bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil. For the fourth and fifth ODIs, seven new players join a reduced group as several members of the initial squad depart to begin Test preparations in Wellington.
The Squads mark the return of some star players
The second squad also includes Santner, Bracewell, Chapman, Duffy, Tickner and Will Young. It also includes Finn Allen, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly and Tim Seifert. The changes bring welcome returns, with Allen and Seifert re-entering the ODI setup after strong showings in shorter formats, while pace bowler Ferguson makes a notable comeback after roughly three years away from the 50-over side.
Seifert has not played an ODI for about 18 months. Coach Rob Walter highlighted the opportunity for Allen and Seifert in particular to push their claims in the longer white-ball format after their T20 contributions. Only a handful of players, including Santner, Bracewell, Chapman, Duffy, Young and Tickner, feature across both squads. This rotation allows New Zealand to manage the physical demands of a packed schedule while giving emerging and returning talents valuable exposure against high-quality opposition.
Several players are unavailable through injury, and the biggest blow was the fast bowler Will O’Rourke. The other notable absentees include Zak Foulkes and Ben Sears, who have been ruled out of the ODI series. Mark Chapman, who recovered sufficiently for the ODI squads, had also missed the T20Is with a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, India have already named their T20I squad for the opening leg of the tour but are yet to announce their ODI and Test teams. The visitors will arrive as one of the strongest limited-overs sides in world cricket, setting up a competitive contest. For New Zealand, the series offers a chance to build momentum and refine combinations ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
New Zealand's squad for the 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, Blair Tickner, Will Young
New Zealand's squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jaco Duffy, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Blair Tickner, Will Young
What head coach Rob Walter says about the series
New Zealand Head coach Rob Walter treats the series as a crucial one against India, and it holds great significance ahead of the 2027 World Cup. He said:
“First and foremost, this is a huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side.”
Walter, who will eye the fixtures as preparation ahead of the World Cup, added:
“Bringing in seven players for the final ODIs allows us to test our depth and see how those players fare against a world-class side.”
Walter continued by saying:
“Obviously, every Test match is important for us in terms of championship points, which is why we’re extracting some of that squad early for additional preparation before the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve on November 19."
Meanwhile, the five ODIs will be played across four venues as New Zealand hosts India at Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui.
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