New Zealand have announced two different ODI squads for their upcoming five-match series against India, taking an unusual approach to team selection. With the Test series scheduled to begin just four days after the ODI series, New Zealand have decided to rest several key players for the final two matches.
The decision means New Zealand will field a significantly different team in the fourth and fifth ODIs, with several established players making way for fresh faces.
New Zealand Rest Several Big Names for Final Two ODIs
New Zealand’s decision has been influenced by injury concerns and the tight schedule between the ODI and Test series.
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry have all been included in the squad for the first three ODIs but will not feature in the final two matches.
Most of these players are important members of New Zealand’s Test setup. Their absence from the last two ODIs will give them additional time to recover, refresh and prepare for the longer format.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner will continue as captain across both squads. Players such as Will Young, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner have also retained their places.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Nick Kelly, Mitch Hay, Kristian Clarke, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Fisher have been included for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
India Likely to Follow New Zealand’s Strategy
Interestingly, India are also expected to adopt a similar approach for the upcoming series.
The Indian selectors have yet to announce their ODI squad, but there are indications that several senior players could be rested for the fourth and fifth ODIs to manage their workload ahead of the Test series.
India could select their first-choice players for the opening three ODIs before making significant changes for the final two matches.
However, this remains an expected strategy rather than an officially confirmed selection decision.
With just four days separating the ODI and Test series, managing player fitness and preparation could become a major priority for both teams.
New Zealand Dealing With Injury Concerns
New Zealand have also been dealing with injuries ahead of the India series.
Rachin Ravindra is returning from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the T20I series. Meanwhile, Will O’Rourke, Zak Foulkes and Ben Sears remain unavailable as they continue their rehabilitation.
The ODI series begins on November 4 in Auckland, while the first Test is scheduled to start on November 19 in Wellington.
New Zealand’s decision also gives players such as Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson an opportunity to strengthen their claims ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
New Zealand ODI Squad for India Series
ODIs 1–3 (14 Players):
Mitchell Santner (Captain), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (WK), Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Matt Henry.
ODIs 4–5 (13 Players):
Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Will Young, Nick Kelly, Mark Chapman, Mitch Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Fisher, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner.
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