Mitchel Santner to lead New Zealand in T20Is against India

Mitchel Santner will lead New Zealand in the three match T20I series against India. Uncapped swing bowler Ben Lister has been included in the 15 member squad along with all rounder Henry Shipley who recently made his ODI debut against Pakistan.

Shipley was the leading wicket taker in the last season of the NZ T20 League while Lister, since making his debut for Auckland in 2017 has been their leading wicket taker in white ball cricket. Lister also made his NZ-A debut in 2022 against India but his tour was cut short when he was hospitalised in Bengaluru with pneumonia. 

New Zealand T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner

Chief selector Gavin Larsen said this about Lister’s selection: “Ben has made an exciting impact for Auckland early in his career in red and white ball cricket. Since his debut in late 2017, he is the Aces' leading wicket taker in T20 and List A cricket. His ability to swing the ball considerably as a left-armer is particularly exciting."

"We all felt for Ben after his tour ended the way it did last year, and it's a testament to his work ethic that he's been able to return to domestic cricket so strongly this season," he said.

Larsen also addressed the fact that Santer has captained New Zealand in 10 T20Is, and will thus be “invaluable” with his knowledge of the Indian conditions and prior leadership experience. "Mitch is a leader in our white ball teams and has captained the T20 side in India before. His experience in Indian conditions will be invaluable leading this group."

Meanwhile Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Ben Sears and Kyle Jamison were unavailable for selection as they are recovering from injuries. Senior pros Kane Williamson and Tim Southee won’t be a part of the team touring India, with the two flying back to New Zealand after the ongoing Pakistan series along with head coach Gary Stead and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen. Luke Ronchi will fill in the coach’s role during the limited overs tour of India. 

The three T20Is will be played on January 27, January 29 and February 1 in Ranchi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad respectively.