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The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as we draw closer to the most awaited ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. While many teams have already unveiled their teams for the mega ICC event in India, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also joined in and added to the excitement by announcing their formidable 15-member squad for the marquee World Cup.
Kane Williamson returns to lead the charge
Kane Williamson has made a remarkable recovery from injury and will once again take the helm as the captain of the New Zealand cricket team. Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess have been instrumental in New Zealand’s success in recent years, making his return a significant boost to the squad’s morale.
Mark Chapman’s inclusion
One of the notable inclusions in the squad is Mark Chapman, who has earned his spot through consistent and impressive performances in the white ball format. His ability to stabilize the middle order and contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.
Rachin Ravindra’s rise to prominence
Another exciting addition to the squad is 23-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. His recent strong performances in limited-overs cricket have caught the attention of selectors, and he brings a fresh dimension to the team with his spin bowling.
The exclusions
While the inclusion of certain players brought delight, some tough decisions had to be made. Young top-order batter Finn Allen and backup wicket-keeper Tim Seifert found themselves on the outside looking in, as the team management opted for Tom Latham as the sole wicket-keeper in the squad. Additionally, fast bowler Adam Milne, who recently suffered a hamstring injury during New Zealand’s tour of England, also missed out on the World Cup selection.
Also READ: Cricket South Africa announces squad for ODI World Cup 2023; no place for Dewald Brevis
Familiar faces in the New Zealand squad
Beyond the return of Williamson and the introduction of promising talents like Chapman and Rachin, New Zealand’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 squad features several familiar faces in the form of Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young who have played pivotal roles in the team’s success over the years
Gary Stead’s vision
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, acknowledged the challenges of forming the final squad. In a statement, Stead highlighted the importance of striking the right balance between youth and experience. He emphasized the significance of having a squad that covers all bases and can adapt to the competitive nature of the tournament.
“It’s always a special time to name a tournament team, and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It’s a great honor to represent your country at a World Cup. From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time, it’s always a very exciting time,” said Stead as quoted by ICC.
“The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive tournament. As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls, and there will be some disappointed players,” he added.
New Zealand squad for the ODI World Cup 2023:
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
