New Zealand names split ODI squad for India series
New Zealand split their ODI squad to manage workloads ahead of the Test series against India.
New Zealand named a split squad for the five-match ODI series against India beginning November 4, with only six players named for all five games. Mitchell Santner will captain the side, which includes the return of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert for the final two matches.
Rachin Ravindra returns from a shoulder injury for the first three ODIs, while Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will leave the squad after the third match to prepare for the Test series. Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay and Nick Kelly join the squad for the last two ODIs.
Head coach Rob Walter said the series serves as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The first ODI will be played at Eden Park in Auckland. New Zealand won their previous bilateral ODI series against India 2-1 on Indian soil in January.
CricHubb Take
Splitting the squad shows New Zealand are already planning for the 2027 World Cup rather than treating this series as an isolated contest. The approach also reduces the risk of injuries to senior players before the Tests.