Allen, Ferguson and Seifert Return as BLACKCAPS Name ODI Squads to Face India

Rachin Ravindra will return from a shoulder injury for the opening three matches, while seven players join for the final two ODIs as New Zealand balances World Cup planning with Test preparation.

By Webfit News

Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert will return to New Zealand’s one-day international side against India next month, with the BLACKCAPS naming two squads for the five-match home series.

Rachin Ravindra also returns after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the T20I squad. He has been selected for the first three ODIs, with the series beginning at Auckland’s Eden Park on 4 November.

Mitchell Santner will captain both squads as New Zealand looks to build on its historic 2–1 ODI series victory in India in January, its first series win in the format on Indian soil.

Comebacks scheduled for the final two matches

Allen and Ferguson last played ODI cricket in 2023. Ferguson’s most recent appearance was against India in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.

Seifert returns after an absence of approximately 18 months, having last featured in the home ODI series against Pakistan.

All three have been selected for ODIs four and five, rather than the opening matches. Their inclusion gives New Zealand another opportunity to assess its white-ball options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Head coach Rob Walter said Allen and Seifert would have the chance to build on their performances in the shorter format.

“For Finn and Tim in particular, we’ve seen what they can do the T20 arena, and it’s now a great opportunity for them to push their case in the longer format.”

Squad changes make room for Test preparation

Following the third ODI, a group of players will leave for Wellington to prepare for the Test series, which begins at the Basin Reserve on 19 November.

Seven players will join the ODI squad for the remaining matches: Allen, Ferguson, Seifert, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay and Nick Kelly.

The arrangement involves 21 players across the series and allows New Zealand to assess its depth while giving Test players additional preparation time.

Walter said World Test Championship points were an important consideration behind the decision to move some players to Wellington early.

World Cup planning adds significance

The series also forms part of New Zealand’s preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Walter said the immediate challenge of facing India at home would sit alongside longer-term planning.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Three injured bowlers unavailable

Zak Foulkes, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears were not considered for selection as they continue rehabilitation.

Player	Injury
Zak Foulkes	Hip flexor
Will O’Rourke	Calf
Ben Sears	Ankle

Their absence leaves opportunities for other bowlers across the two squads, with Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner selected throughout the series.

Ronchi prepares for final BLACKCAPS assignment

The India series will be departing batting coach Luke Ronchi’s final BLACKCAPS assignment before he becomes head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s men’s Big Bash League.

After the third ODI, Ronchi will join bowling coach Jacob Oram and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson in leading Test preparation in Wellington. Newly appointed BLACKCAPS batting coach BJ Watling will also join that group.

Walter will remain with the ODI squad for the final two matches, supported by Northern Districts strength and conditioning coach Corey Miles. Further coaching support will be announced.

BLACKCAPS squads against India

ODIs 1–3	ODIs 4–5
Mitchell Santner, captain	Mitchell Santner, captain
Michael Bracewell	Finn Allen
Mark Chapman	Michael Bracewell
Devon Conway	Mark Chapman
Jacob Duffy	Kristian Clarke
Matt Henry	Jacob Duffy
Kyle Jamieson	Matt Fisher
Tom Latham, wicketkeeper	Lockie Ferguson
Daryl Mitchell	Mitch Hay, wicketkeeper
Glenn Phillips	Nick Kelly
Rachin Ravindra	Tim Seifert, wicketkeeper
Nathan Smith	Blair Tickner
Will Young	Will Young
Blair Tickner

New Zealand’s 14-player Test squad to face India will be announced in early November.

Source: New Zealand Cricket.