New Zealand Recall Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert for India ODI Series
New Zealand are turning to experience, explosive batting and squad depth for their upcoming five-match ODI series against India. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert are set to return to the one-day side for the final two matches, while Rachin Ravindra is included for the opening three games as he works his way back from a shoulder injury.
The series begins at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, with Mitchell Santner leading both New Zealand squads. Rather than naming one group for the full contest, selectors have chosen separate line-ups for the first three ODIs and the last two. The changeover will allow some players to begin preparing for the Test series against India while a fresh group gets an opportunity in the ODI format.
Three familiar faces return for the final ODIs
Allen, Ferguson and Seifert have all been away from New Zealand’s ODI set-up for different stretches. Allen and Ferguson last played an ODI in 2023, with Ferguson’s most recent appearance coming in the World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai. Seifert’s last one-day international was against Pakistan in a home series around 18 months ago.
Their return gives New Zealand more options for the closing matches. Allen brings aggressive top-order batting, while Seifert offers another wicketkeeping option and a proven ability to score quickly. Ferguson adds pace and international experience to the bowling attack. Their inclusion is also a chance for the trio to make a case for a longer role in the format.
Ravindra, meanwhile, has been named only for the first three ODIs after his shoulder problem ruled him out of the preceding T20Is against India. His availability will be important for New Zealand’s balance, as he can contribute with both bat and ball. The team will be monitoring his return carefully as the series progresses.
Two squads reflect a busy international schedule
The first-three-ODI group largely retains the core of the side that made history in India in January, winning a bilateral ODI series there for the first time. Santner will captain a squad featuring established contributors including Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Will Young.
For the fourth and fifth matches, seven additional players will join the group. The second squad includes Allen, Ferguson and Seifert, alongside Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay and Nick Kelly. The selection gives New Zealand a chance to assess a wider pool of players against one of the strongest teams in international cricket.
Several players are unavailable because of injury. Zak Foulkes is recovering from a hip-flexor issue, Will O’Rourke is managing a calf injury, and Ben Sears is continuing rehabilitation for an ankle problem. Their absence limits the pace-bowling options but also creates an opening for others to gain valuable experience.
World Cup planning behind selection decisions
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described the India series as both a major home contest and a useful opportunity to evaluate the team ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament remains a significant planning target, and matches against India offer a demanding test of technique, adaptability and composure.
Walter said the team was looking forward to playing in front of home supporters, while stressing that the final two ODIs would help selectors assess the squad’s depth. With seven players joining later in the series, New Zealand can compare different combinations and see how emerging options handle the pressure of facing a world-class opponent.
That approach could be particularly useful in a long tournament campaign, where injuries, form changes and varied conditions often require teams to call on more than their first-choice XI. For fans following the series, the selection changes also add an extra storyline: the final matches may offer a clearer picture of which players are pushing hardest for future ODI opportunities.
Test preparations begin before the ODI series ends
The split squads are also designed to manage New Zealand’s transition from white-ball cricket to a crucial Test assignment. The first Test against India begins at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19 and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. With championship points at stake, the team wants to give its Test players additional time to prepare.
After the third ODI, bowling coach Jacob Oram and departing batting coach Luke Ronchi will oversee preparations in Wellington. Newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling will join them. Walter will remain with the ODI group for the final two matches, supported by Northern Districts men’s strength and conditioning coach Corey Miles.
Walter highlighted the value of having 21 players involved across the ODI campaign, describing the squad depth as an advantage as New Zealand balances two important international commitments. The 14-player Test squad is expected to be announced in early November.
What the series could reveal
Beyond the result, the five-match contest will provide a useful measure of New Zealand’s batting depth, bowling resources and ability to adapt across different conditions. India’s quality makes the series a demanding benchmark, while the return of Allen, Ferguson and Seifert gives the home side several intriguing selection options for the closing games.
Any cricket prediction ahead of the series should account for the changing squads, player workloads and the timing of the Test preparations. New Zealand’s January success in India offers confidence, but this home contest will bring different conditions and selection challenges. The opening three matches will test the established group, while the final pair could show how effectively the wider squad can compete at the highest level.
New Zealand ODI squads to face India
ODIs 1–3: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.
ODIs 4–5: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.
