New Zealand have recalled Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert to their one-day international (ODI) squad for the upcoming five-match series against India, while Rachin Ravindra is set to return from a shoulder injury for the opening three matches. The series kicks off on 4 November at Eden Park in Auckland, with New Zealand looking to build on their historic 2-1 ODI series win in India earlier this year — their first on Indian soil.

Key Selections and Returns

White-ball captain Mitchell Santner will lead an extended squad that will feature different combinations across the series. Allen and Ferguson last appeared in ODI cricket in 2023, with Ferguson's most recent outing coming in the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai. Seifert last featured in the format 18 months ago during New Zealand's home series against Pakistan.

Ravindra, who was ruled out of the T20I squad due to a shoulder injury, has been cleared for the first three ODIs. His inclusion adds significant batting depth to the top order, where he has been one of New Zealand's most consistent performers in recent times.

Squad Split Across the Series

New Zealand will operate with two distinct squads — one for the first three matches and another for the fourth and fifth ODIs. Seven additional players will join for the final two games, as a portion of the original squad travels to Wellington after the third ODI to begin preparations for the subsequent Test series against India. The first Test is scheduled to commence at the Basin Reserve on 19 November.

Notably, three players — Zak Foulkes (hip flexor), Will O'Rourke (calf), and Ben Sears (ankle) — were not considered for selection as they continue their respective rehabilitation programmes.

Coaching Changes on the Horizon

Head coach Rob Walter will be joined by bowling coach Jacob Oram and outgoing batting coach Luke Ronchi for the ODI leg. This series marks Ronchi's final assignment with the Blackcaps before he takes charge as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League. Following the third ODI, newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling will join the Test squad's preparations in Wellington alongside Oram and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson.

Walter on World Cup Preparations

Head coach Walter underscored the dual significance of the series — both as an immediate challenge and as a stepping stone toward the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

'First and foremost this is a huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side. 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,' Walter said. He added: '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.'

Walter also highlighted the opportunity for returning players, saying: 'It's great to bring guys like Lockie, Finn, and Tim back into the One Day unit. They're all exciting and explosive players in their own right and are proven match winners. For Finn and Tim in particular, we've seen what they can do in the T20 arena, and it's now a great opportunity for them to push their case in the longer format.'

Full Squads

NZ squad for first 3 ODIs: 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, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

NZ squad for 4th and 5th ODIs: Santner, Finn Allen, Bracewell, Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Tickner, Young.

New Zealand are expected to announce their 14-player Test squad for the India series in early November, with the first Test at the Basin Reserve set for 19 November.