Mitchell Santner to Lead New Zealand in T20I Series Against India

Veteran all-rounder Mitchell Santner will captain the New Zealand side for the three-match T20I series against India this month, with left-arm swing bowler Ben Lister earning his maiden call-up in the squad announced on Thursday.New Zealand will play the first T20I at Ranchi on January 27 after the conclusion of the three-match ODI series beginning in Hyderabad on January 18.Lister’s inclusion in the squad comes after he made his New Zealand A debut in India late last year. The 27-year-old’s tour to India was cut short after he was down with pneumonia in Bangalore. The infection saw him spend time in hospital before returning home to continue his recovery.Santner’s side will have an experienced set of T20 cricketers, including nine players from last year’s T20 World Cup squad. Among the range of players still relatively new to international cricket are all-rounder Henry Shipley, who made his international debut in the ODI series against Pakistan, and leg-spinner Michael Rippon, who made his debut against Scotland during last year’s European Tour.Meanwhile, Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand team in the ODI series against India, with left-hander Mark Chapman and Otago Volts pace bowler Jacob Duffy earning call-ups. “Luke Ronchi will take over as head coach for the three-game ODI (January 18, 21, 24) and T20Is (January 27, 29, February 1) series in India, and will get an assistance from NZC network coaches Bob Carter and Paul Wiseman,” read New Zealand cricket statement.It is also to be noted that Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been rested for the India series and they will not feature in any of the matches.