Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra Return as New Zealand Announce Squad for T20I Series vs England

The New Zealand cricket team has unveiled its squad for the upcoming T20I series against England, featuring the return of two key players Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. The Black Caps will host England for three T20Is starting October 18 at Hagley Oval, followed by a three-match ODI series beginning October 26.

The announcement comes with plenty of optimism for New Zealand fans, as Santner makes a comeback from injury and will lead the side in the T20I leg, while Ravindra returns after recovering from a facial injury that ruled him out of the Australia series.

Santner Back as Captain After Surgery

Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s white-ball captain, has successfully recovered from abdominal surgery and is ready to lead his country once again. His return provides the Black Caps with not only a world-class spinner but also a tactical leader known for his calm approach under pressure.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed delight at Santner’s comeback, saying, “It’s great to have Mitch back. Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the best white-ball spinners in the world. His experience will be a massive boost for us.”

The T20I series marks a significant opportunity for Santner to rebuild team momentum ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. His leadership and control in the middle overs could prove pivotal against England’s aggressive batting lineup.

Rachin Ravindra’s Return Boosts NZ’s Middle Order

Star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is also back in the squad after missing the recent Australia series due to a facial injury. The young left-hander has been in brilliant form over the past year and is expected to play a crucial role in New Zealand’s middle order.

Coach Rob Walter confirmed that Ravindra has fully recovered and is eager to contribute. “It’s nice to welcome back Rachin, who was unlucky to miss out against Australia. He’s really excited for this series,” Walter noted.

Ravindra’s return not only strengthens the batting lineup but also adds a valuable left-arm spin option, giving New Zealand tactical flexibility against England’s right-handed heavy batting order.

Kane Williamson Targets ODI Comeback in Tauranga

While Santner and Ravindra headline the T20I squad, Kane Williamson is set to make his return to international cricket during the ODI leg of the England tour. The Black Caps skipper has been dealing with a minor medical issue and is taking additional time to get match-ready.

“Kane is a world-class player,” Walter said. “We agreed he needed more time to get physically ready, and we’re hopeful he’ll return for the ODIs in Tauranga and be ready for the West Indies tour that follows.”

Fans can expect Williamson to rejoin the team in his hometown, where he’ll be keen to regain rhythm ahead of a busy international season.

Ben Sears Ruled Out; Neesham Returns as All-Rounder

Injury woes continue for the Black Caps as Ben Sears has been ruled out of the series with a left hamstring tear sustained during training. The pacer is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

“Ben had discomfort while bowling last Tuesday, and scans confirmed a hamstring tear,” Walter explained. “We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back soon.”

Meanwhile, Jimmy Neesham earns a call-up after impressive performances against Australia. Known for his all-round contributions and ability to deliver under pressure, Neesham’s inclusion adds depth to the lower order.

The pace attack remains unchanged, featuring Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson, while Michael Bracewell joins Santner in the spin department.

Ish Sodhi Misses Out, Tim Seifert to Keep Wickets

One notable omission is Ish Sodhi, who misses out on the T20I squad. Tim Seifert will continue as the wicketkeeper, supported by a familiar batting core that includes Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell.

Rob Walter praised England’s dynamic approach to T20 cricket and said his team is eager to meet the challenge head-on. “It’s great to have another world-class side on our shores. England play an exciting brand of cricket, and our guys are looking forward to taking them on,” he added.

Walter also confirmed that tickets for the first T20I at Hagley Oval are nearly sold out — a sign of the growing excitement among Kiwi cricket fans.

New Zealand T20I Squad vs England 2025

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk)

Unavailable due to injuries: Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring)

A Strong Start Expected at Home

The New Zealand team enters this series with confidence and renewed energy. With Santner’s leadership, Ravindra’s return, and Williamson’s imminent comeback, the Black Caps are poised for a strong showing on home soil.

Fans can expect thrilling encounters as New Zealand and England renew their rivalry, with both sides known for their explosive T20 cricket.

The upcoming matches in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland are expected to be sellouts — and will serve as a perfect build-up toward next year’s global tournaments.