New Zealand announce 14-member squad for West Indies T20Is, Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi return

Published - 02 Nov 2025, 15:22 IST | Updated - 02 Nov 2025, 15:23 IST

New Zealand Cricket has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies, featuring the much-anticipated return of pacer Kyle Jamieson and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. The series begins on November 5, coming at a crucial juncture as the Kiwis continue to refine their combinations ahead of a packed international calendar.

Jamieson’s comeback provides a major boost to New Zealand’s pace attack after his recent injury layoff during the England series. Renowned for his height, bounce, and ability to take crucial wickets, Jamieson’s inclusion adds valuable variety and depth to the bowling unit.

Sodhi, who missed a few recent matches, also returns to bolster the spin department. His partnership with captain Mitchell Santner is expected to play a key role, particularly in home conditions that tend to favour slower bowlers.

Meanwhile, pacer Matt Henry has been given a planned rest to manage his workload ahead of the home Test season. The team management continues to rotate key bowlers to maintain freshness and minimise injury risks before major tournaments on the horizon.

Head coach Rob Walter’s selection reflects a forward-looking approach, blending experience with emerging talent. Nathan Smith has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while young stars Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman also retained their spots after strong recent performances in the format.

With several key players, including Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips, sidelined due to injuries, the West Indies series offers a valuable opportunity to test squad depth. Walter emphasised that the focus remains on building the ideal combination for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.