Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham and Colin de Grandhomme are all set to make their comeback against India as part of a 14-man squad announced for the first three ODIs of the five-match series starting from January 23.
After a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, India will provide a major step up for the Black Caps, so the 152 games of ODI experience provided by the returning trio should prove a significant boost as the Kiwis look to continue their strong form ahead of the ICC World Cup in England.
Latham and de Grandhomme slot straight back in after being rested for the Sri Lankan short-form sweep, while Santner will end a 10-month stint without ODI cricket, having successfully made his international return from knee surgery in New Zealand’s T20I win over Sri Lanka last Friday.
Tim Seifert makes way for Latham as the specialist wicketkeeper, while de Grandhomme returns in place of Jimmy Neesham.
Neesham suffered a grade one hamstring strain in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, and will miss at least the first three ODIs against India. He will have to prove his fitness in the domestic T20 Super Smash.
Doug Bracewell has been included in the squad despite not getting runs in the recently concluded ODI series.
New Zealand squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Colin Munro, Henry Nicolls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
