2023 ODI World Cup semi-finalists - New Zealand, gear up for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 action, as the side have announced their 15-man squad for the mega event. The side will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who revealed the squad via a video posted by Blackcaps on their 'X' account this morning.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
'Mitchell Santner Era'
The veteran all-rounder has been with the side for the past 10 years, and throughout his career, the left-arm spinner has provided crucial performances to save his side. Now, after a successful stint as a captain lately, New Zealand Cricket have decided to hand the Kiwi his first major assignment, with him leading the nation for the first time in an ICC event.
Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith will be featuring in their maiden ICC event, as the pace trio have a huge task at their disposal to deliver and repeat the heroics of legends, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, as the latter have now retired from the international stage.
New Zealand endured a forgettable 2024, where they were kicked out of group stages by the likes of West Indies and Afghanistan, and will be looking to redeem themselves in 2025.
Kane Williamson is the only player to feature for New Zealand in the 2013; 2017; and the 2025 editions of the ICC Champions Trophy, and will be looking to win the nation's first-ever white-ball ICC trophy.
New Zealand ended their quest for an ICC trophy by defeating India in the World Test Championship 2021 Final.
Is Lockie Ferguson Doubtful?
Lockie Ferguson has franchise cricket commitments, and can therefore, remain doubtful for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Jacob Duffy has been named as the 'reserve player' by the side, in case the ace speedster misses out on the mega event.