New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced their 14-man squad for the T20I series against West Indies at home, after Kane Williamson called it a day in the shortest format.
Having won the ODI series against England by 3-0, the Kiwis will have a quick turnaround to be back in action against the Caribbeans, who will start their long tour with five T20I fixtures.
The five-match T20I series beginning from November 4 will be followed by three ODIs and two Tests.
While the former captain, Williamson, will not be in action for the T20Is, he is expected to be a part of the Test team in December.
New Zealand announces squad for WI T20Is after Kane Williamson's retirement
Having recently returned to action for the Men in Black in the ODI series against England, Williamson scored a golden duck and 21(39) in the two innings of the series.
Following the end of the triumphant series, the former NZ skipper felt it was the right time for the team to move on from him, with the T20 World Cup around the corner.
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"It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time, and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences. It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup," he told NZC.
He further stated that there is enough T20I talent to help Mitchell Santner into the new era of New Zealand's cricket in the format and wished them the best for the World Cup in India.
Having represented the Blackcaps since October 2011 in the format, he played 93 matches, scoring 2575 runs at an average of 33.44 and with the help of 18 centuries — he is their second-highest run-scorer in the format behind Martin Guptill's 3531 runs in 118 innings.
The 35-year-old also led them to the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, where he scored a brilliant 85(48) in a losing cause against Australia.
He will be back in action for the Plunket Shield second round, when Northern District will face Auckland from November 16.
New Zealand's squad for the T20I series vs West Indies:
Santner continues to lead the team against West Indies, and Kyle Jamieson returns to the squad after a short injury layoff. The highest T20I wicket-taker for the Blackcaps, Ish Sodhi, will also be back in action for the series.
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Devon Conway
- Tim Robinson
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mark Chapman
- Michael Bracewell
- James Neesham
- Tim Seifert
- Jacob Duffy
- Zak Foulkes
- Kyle Jamieson
- Nathan Smith
- Ish Sodhi