New Zealand announce squad for India ODIs, Kane Williamson rested

India have a packed home schedule lined up against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia post the conclusion of the ongoing away Test series against Bangladesh. The Indian camp will face Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I and ODI series, before facing Kiwis in as many ODIs and T20Is. As things stand, on December 19, Monday, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the squad for the series against the Men in Blue. 

Much to the stupefaction of the Black Caps fans, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson were rested for the series and Tom Latham is tasked to lead the team in their absence. The likes of Devon Conway, Fin Allen and Glenn Phillips retained their spots in the squad and it remains to be seen if the Black Caps could win the series against the mighty Indians in the absence of their prolific batter Williamson.

Henry Shipley to don Kiwi jersey against India

Henry Shipley, the right-arm medium pacer, was eventually called-up on the back of his impressive domestic performances and it remains to be seen if the pacer would get a go-ahead before the likes of Kiwi stars Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Matt Henry.  It would be a tough ask for the Indian batters to face the fiery pacer, given that it would be the first time the Indian star cricketers would be facing the 26-year-old. Alongside Shipley, Otago star, Jacob Duffy earned a call-up and would hope to get off to a great start in the series.

“Luke Ronchi will take over as head coach for the three-game ODI (January 18, 21, 24) and T20Is (January 27, 29, February 1) series in India, and will get an assistance from NZC network coaches Bob Carter and Paul Wiseman,” the statement from NZC read further. Latham, on the other hand, would hope to take the series win home against a strong Indian side. With the 50-over World Cup set to take place in India later in 2023, both teams would look to lock horns with an intent to prepare for the multinational tournament, given that it has been almost a decade since India won a world title. 

New Zealand squad for India series: Tom Latham (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi.