Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra return as New Zealand announce squad for T20I series against India

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New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, beginning in Christchurch on Saturday, October 18. The major talking points from the announcement include the return of star players, both of whom were sidelineed due to injuries in recent months.

Mitchell Santner’s return marks a significant boost for the Black Caps, both as a leader and as an all-rounder. The left-arm spinner missed recent assignments while recovering from abdominal surgery but has now been declared fit to lead the side. Known for his calm temperament and tactical acumen, Santner’s leadership has been highly valued in New Zealand’s white-ball setup. His comeback not only strengthens the spin department but also brings much-needed balance to the side ahead of the high-profile T20I series against India.

Rachin Ravindra, who missed the recent series against Australia due to a facial injury sustained during training, also makes his much-awaited return. The young all-rounder has been one of New Zealand’s most promising talents, making a name for himself with consistent performances across formats. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the middle order and gives the team flexibility in conditions that favor spin. Ravindra’s presence will also ease pressure on senior players, allowing New Zealand to experiment with different combinations during the series.

While the return of Santner and Ravindra is a big boost, the Kiwis continue to grapple with several injury concerns. Speedster Ben Sears has been ruled out of the India series after suffering a left-hamstring injury during a training session last week. In addition, star batter Kane Williamson will miss the T20Is as he continues his recovery from a minor medical issue.

Apart from Williamson and Sears, several other key players remain unavailable for selection due to fitness issues. The list includes Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring).

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Despite the injury setbacks, New Zealand have largely retained the core group that faced Australia earlier this year. James Neesham, who impressed with both bat and ball in Ravindra’s absence, keeps his place in the side. However, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has been dropped, with the selectors opting for a more balanced attack featuring Santner and Michael Bracewell as the spin options.

The squad also includes a mix of experienced names like Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, and Tim Seifert, alongside emerging talents such as Zak Foulkes and Tim Robinson. This blend of youth and experience reflects New Zealand’s strategy to test their bench strength ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup cycle.

New Zealand squad for England T20Is: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk)

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