Published on: Oct 12, 2026 2:48 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 12, 2026 2:48 pm IST
The Blackcaps have officially announced the ODI squad for their upcoming 5-match home series against India. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced two distinct squads for the first three and the last two games, led by white-ball leader Mitchell Santner.
While Rachin Ravindra makes his return from a shoulder injury for the opening three games, the high-profile trio of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert have been recalled specifically for the final two ODIs.
As all other international teams are leaning towards workload management of their players, the Blackcaps have also backed their player workload management program. With a crucial two-match Test series against India scheduled immediately after the 50-over games, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter insisted on managing players and preparing them well for the Test series.
Several players who are assured to feature in the Test series are selected for the first three ODIs only. These include Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Matt Henry. All these players will be released ahead of the 4th ODI to prep up for the 2-match Test series.
Head coach Rob Walter shared the selection strategy by quoting,
“We’re incredibly lucky to have the depth that we do to have 21 players involved in the series. It’s also great to bring guys like Lockie, Finn, and Tim back into the one day unit. They’re all exciting and explosive players in their own right and are proven match winners.”
He further 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. 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.”
Below is the squad for the first three ODIs, which will be played in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton.
Squad for 1-3 ODIs: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Seven new players have been included in the squad for the final two ODIs to be played at Mount Maunganui.
Squad for 4-5 ODIs: Mitchell Santner (c), 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.
One of the most intriguing tactical shifts in the squad selection is the planned role for Finn Allen. Known for his explosive power-hitting as an opening batter, the team management intends Allen to bat in the middle order during the last two games.
Selector Sam Wells detailed the team’s strategic vision behind moving Finn Allen to the middle order in the batting line up:
“Finn has shown his capability at the top of the order, but we see an opportunity for him to impact the game in the middle order. His ability to hit boundaries and clear the rope can be a game-changer for us in those middle and late overs.”
Here is the complete ODI schedule of the India Tour of New Zealand 2026 ODI series.
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