Mitchell Santner to lead New Zealand in five-match ODI series against India
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the five-match ODI series against India starting November 4, with Rachin Ravindra returning after injury.
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the five-match ODI series against India starting November 4 in Auckland. The Black Caps named two squads, with Rachin Ravindra returning for the first three matches after missing the T20I leg due to a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot. Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson return for the final two ODIs after last playing the format in 2023.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the series serves as preparation for the 2027 World Cup. Several senior players will leave after the third ODI to prepare for the two-Test series beginning November 19 in Wellington. New Zealand won their previous bilateral ODI series against India 2-1 on Indian soil earlier this year.
India are yet to name their ODI and Test squads for the tour. The T20I series between the sides begins on October 22 in Christchurch.
CricHubb Take
Splitting the squad mid-series to accommodate Test preparation reveals how bilateral ODIs now function as selection laboratories rather than standalone contests.