New Zealand recall Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert for India ODIs

Recalled trio set for late-series ODI returns as New Zealand name split squads

New Zealand Cricket has recalled Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert to its ODI setup for the upcoming five-match series against India, with the trio set to return for the final two matches in a 21-player group that spans the entire rubber.

White-ball captain Mitchell Santner will lead both squads, with New Zealand naming separate groups for the first three ODIs and the final two matches as a section of the squad departs for Wellington to begin preparations for the subsequent Test series. The series begins on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland.

Allen and Ferguson last featured in an ODI in 2023, with Ferguson's most recent appearance coming in the World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai. Seifert's last ODI outing was in the home series against Pakistan 18 months ago. All three will return for games four and five.

Ravindra returns from shoulder injury

Rachin Ravindra, who was ruled out of the preceding T20I squad due to a shoulder injury, has been included for the first three ODIs. The squad largely retains the core of the side that secured a historic 2-1 ODI series win in India in January — New Zealand's first bilateral ODI series victory over India on Indian soil.

Injury absentees

Zak Foulkes (hip flexor), Will O'Rourke (calf) and Ben Sears (ankle) were not available for selection as they continue their respective injury rehab.

Walter eyes 2027 World Cup

Head coach Rob Walter said the home series will serve as important preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“First and foremost this is a huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side,” Walter said. “With the ODI World Cup just one year away it's important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event. Bringing in seven players for the final ODIs allows us to test our depth and see how those players fare against a world-class side.”

Walter also highlighted the importance of balancing ODI commitments with preparations for the Test series, which begins on November 19 and is part of the ICC World Test Championship.

“Obviously every Test match is important for us in terms of championship points, which is why we're extracting some of that squad early for additional preparation before the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve on November 19,” he said. “We're incredibly lucky to have the depth that we do to have 21 players involved in the series. It's also great to bring guys like Lockie, Finn, and Tim back into the One Day unit. They're all exciting and explosive players in their own right and are proven match winners. For Finn and Tim in particular, we've seen what they can do in the T20 arena, and it's now a great opportunity for them to push their case in the longer format.”

Coaching split for ODI and Test plans

Walter will remain with the ODI squad for the final two matches, supported by Northern Districts men's strength and conditioning coach Corey Miles. Meanwhile, bowling coach Jacob Oram and departing batting coach Luke Ronchi will oversee the Test preparations in Wellington after the third ODI, joined by newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling. New Zealand will announce their 14-player Test squad for the series against India in early November.

Squads

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

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