New Zealand recall Allen, Ferguson, Seifert for India ODIs; Santner to lead

New Zealand on Sunday announced separate squads for the upcoming five-match ODI series against India, recalling Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert to the 50-over format, while Mitchell Santner will captain the side throughout the series.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has also returned to the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the preceding T20I series against India. Ravindra has been selected for the first three ODIs, while Allen, Ferguson and Seifert will feature in the final two matches.

The ODI series will begin on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland, following the five-match T20I series scheduled between October 22 and November 1. The Black Caps will seek to build on their historic 2-1 ODI series victory over India in January, which marked their first bilateral ODI series triumph on Indian soil.

Experienced players return

Allen and Ferguson last represented New Zealand in ODIs in 2023, with Ferguson's most recent appearance coming in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semifinal against India in Mumbai. Seifert last featured in the format approximately 18 months ago during New Zealand's home series against Pakistan.

Their return strengthens New Zealand's options as the team prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The selectors have opted to combine experienced international players with emerging talent while managing the workload of those involved in multiple formats. Ravindra's inclusion for the opening three matches is another significant development. The all-rounder had been sidelined from the T20I series because of a shoulder injury but is expected to be available for the ODI leg.

Separate squads announced

New Zealand Cricket has named two squads because several players will travel to Wellington after the third ODI to prepare for the subsequent two-match Test series against India.

Seven additional players will join the ODI squad for the fourth and fifth matches, allowing the team to assess its depth while ensuring that Test regulars receive adequate preparation. Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner and Will Young are among the players retained for all five matches.

The opening three ODIs will feature several established Test players, including Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. For the final two matches, Allen, Ferguson and Seifert will join the squad alongside Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay and Nick Kelly.

World Cup preparations

The five-match series assumes importance for New Zealand as preparations gather pace for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The selectors will use the series to assess combinations and provide opportunities to players competing for places in the longer-term white-ball setup. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has emphasised the importance of developing squad depth and giving players opportunities against strong international opposition.

The tour will also provide an opportunity for the Black Caps to build on their recent success against India, having secured a 2-1 ODI series victory during their previous visit in January. New Zealand are expected to announce their 14-member Test squad in early November.

New Zealand squads

ODIs 1–3: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.

ODIs 4–5: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.