New Zealand has announced a 16-member squad for its upcoming five-match T20I series against India, with Mitchell Santner set to lead the side. Rachin Ravindra will miss the series after suffering a shoulder injury.
Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot last week and will require at least six weeks of rehabilitation. New Zealand Cricket said the all-rounder is expected to recover in time for the ODI series, which begins on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Bevon Jacobs has been included in the T20I squad, potentially filling the spot left vacant by Ravindra’s absence.
New Zealand has retained much of the group that finished runner-up to India in the T20 World Cup final. Thirteen players from that squad have been selected for the home series, while Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne return after missing the tournament because of injuries.
Milne’s comeback adds further depth to a pace-heavy New Zealand squad. The fast bowler last represented the national team against Zimbabwe more than a year ago.
He is among seven pace options selected for the India series. Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Nathan Smith and Zak Foulkes are the other fast bowlers in the squad.
New Zealand also has several established options at the top of the batting order. Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway provide the opening choices, while the squad includes experienced middle-order players such as Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
Santner’s presence gives New Zealand an experienced captain as it prepares for another meeting with India following the T20 World Cup final.
The two sides will begin the five-match T20I series on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. It will be their first meeting since India defeated New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert and Nathan Smith.
With several members of its T20 World Cup squad returning and additional pace options available, New Zealand will enter the home series with an experienced group, although Ravindra’s injury leaves one of its key all-rounders unavailable.
