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With the ODI World Cup 2023 in India just around the corner, New Zealand have revealed their formidable 15-member squad for this prestigious event on Monday (September 11)
Notably, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee will be making their fourth appearance in an ODI World Cup, adding their considerable experience to the squad. Additionally, six players are set to make their debut in this marquee tournament: Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young have all earned their spots in the ODI World Cup squad for the very first time.
Recalling the dramatic 2019 edition in which they narrowly missed the title to England, New Zealand aims to kickstart their 2023 campaign with a rematch against the current champions, England. This exciting clash is scheduled for October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Nonetheless, this period has witnessed the exclusion of several players who played crucial roles in New Zealand’s 2019 ODI World Cup campaign. Similar to several other cricketing teams, New Zealand have entered a transitional phase characterized by substantial alterations in both their pace bowling arsenal and batting lineup.
Here are the five Blackcaps players who made crucial contributions in the 2019 ODI World Cup but won’t be part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad:
1. Martin Guptill
Auckland native Martin Guptill has built a reputation for his consistent run-scoring in ODI cricket. His impact on the game has been immense, capable of single-handedly dismantling opponents. Across 27 World Cup games, he amassed nearly 1000 runs, including 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries. One of his most memorable World Cup performances was his stunning 237 in the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup. However, in the 2019 World Cup, where New Zealand reached the final, Guptill struggled, scoring just 188 runs in 10 matches with a disappointing average of 17.09.
Guptill’s last appearance in an ODI for the Blackcaps was in September 2022. He was part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia but didn’t feature in any fixtures, with Finn Allen preferred as the opening batter. Following that, he was omitted from the squad for the series against India. He then released from the central contract. Guptill hasn’t officially retired from international cricket and has expressed his desire to continue playing. Nevertheless, today’s selection by New Zealand suggests that the cricket board is looking to the future, potentially signaling the conclusion of Guptill’s international career.
2. Colin Munro
Colin Munro, who formed a partnership with Guptill as the opening batter during the 2019 World Cup, was known for his aggressive style of play, particularly in the shortest format of the game. Nevertheless, similar to Guptill, Munro found it challenging to leave a significant mark on the grand stage, mustering just 125 runs across six matches with an average of 25. His performance was so lackluster that he was excluded from the final game against England. Munro’s most recent appearance for the Black Caps dates back to 2020 when they faced India in a T20I game.
Also READ: 7 Australia players who featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup but won’t play in the 2023 CWC
3. Henry Nicholls
Henry Nicholls‘ omission from the 2023 ODI squad was one of the most notable exclusions. Currently, he is part of the New Zealand squad that is competing in the four-match ODI series against England and even played in the first fixture. Nonetheless, the return of Kane Williamson to the squad and the preference for Mark Chapman played a significant role in Nicholls’ exclusion.
Furthermore, Nicholls’ recent form in the 50-over format hasn’t been impressive, with just one score of more than 50 in his last 13 appearances. During the last World Cup in England, he managed to score only 91 runs in four games, including one half-century, which notably came in the crucial final game against England. Although, despite his efforts, the Blackcaps couldn’t secure victory in that fixture.
4. Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and accomplished cricketers in the history of international cricket, and he is a source of immense pride for New Zealand. He was renowned for his impeccable technique and the ability to adapt his game to various situations. Taylor possesses the versatility to play a wide range of shots, making him a valuable asset to his team.
In the 2019 World Cup, Taylor showcased his exceptional cricketing skills by amassing 350 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of over 38. He played pivotal innings throughout the tournament, with one of the standout moments being his match-winning 74 in the semi-final. Despite his team’s loss in the final, Taylor concluded his illustrious international career on a high note by playing a defining innings of 47 not out against India. This crucial contribution played a significant role in New Zealand clinching the championship title in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.
5. Colin de Grandhomme
Colin de Grandhomme played a pivotal role for his side as an exceptional all-rounder during the 2019 World Cup. Over the course of 10 games, he contributed significantly by scoring 190 runs at a strike rate exceeding 100. Additionally, he showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming six crucial wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.15. His all-round performances were instrumental in New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament.
De Grandhomme was also a valuable member of the New Zealand team that emerged victorious in the ICC WTC final against India. However, in 2022, at the age of 36, he made the difficult decision to retire from international cricket. This move was primarily influenced by persistent injuries and the increasing competition within the team.
Special mention: Tom Blundell
Tom Blundell, despite being a part of the squad, did not get the opportunity to play in the entire CWC 2019. He though served as the 12th man for the New Zealand cricket team during the final against England. In 2021, he faced a setback due to a back injury, which temporarily sidelined him. However, Blundell’s determination and skills allowed him to make a swift return to the team, participating in matches across various formats.
Remarkably, he recently played an ODI match against Bangladesh on September 26, 2023, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Nevertheless, the selectors may have taken into account the presence of wicketkeeping options such as Tom Latham and Devon Conway, both of whom are left-handed batters. This consideration could have worked against Blundell, resulting in his exclusion from the final fifteen players selected for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
