New Zealand name split ODI squad for India series
New Zealand named a split squad for the five-match ODI series against India that begins on 4 November, with seven players added for the final two matches.
New Zealand Cricket named a 21-player squad for the five-match ODI series against India that begins on 4 November in Auckland. Mitchell Santner will captain the side, with only six players available for all five matches. Rachin Ravindra returns from a shoulder injury for the first three ODIs, while Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson join the squad for the final two matches after prioritising T20 leagues. Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith feature in the opening three games before some players depart to prepare for the Test series. Zak Foulkes, Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears were not considered due to ongoing injuries. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the series provides preparation for the 2027 World Cup and allows the team to test depth against a world-class side.
CricHubb Take
The split squad structure shows New Zealand treating the ODI series as a bridge to the Test series rather than a standalone event, with the overlap in dates forcing early departures that shorten the white-ball preparation window.