NZ vs NED | New Zealand name depleted squad as players opt for IPL 2022

With most of their first-choice players opting to go for the IPL 2022, New Zealand have named a depleted squad for their upcoming series against Netherlands. They are missing 12 of their regular players who were not picked in order to enable them to participate in the IPL.

The 12-member contingent also includes regular captain Kane Williamson, and as a result, New Zealand will be led by Tom Latham in all four games. The absence of the regulars has also given an opportunity to some new players. All-rounder Michael Bracewell and wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver have received their maiden international call-ups.

The three-match ODI series will see Ross Taylor representing New Zealand for the final time. It would be the end of a glorious career for the middle-order batsman who helped his country win a number of games. 

The New Zealand coach spoke about how losing 12 frontline players was a big blow. However, it provides opportunities to a bunch of new players. “Anytime you lose 12 front-liners, it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re really excited by the players we’ve been able to call on. With another T20 WC later this year and the ODI World Cup next year it’s a good time to be offering opportunities to a wider group of players,” said coach Gary Stead. 

He also spoke about the new entrants and how they had earned their place with their performance. “Both players (Cleaver and Bracewell) have been on the national radar for some time and certainly deserve their selection off the back of another quality domestic season. Michael is a superb ball-striker who can mix touch with his power, while his right arm off-breaks are an asset to any side.”

“Dane, along with Cam Fletcher, has been the stand-out wicket-keeper-batsman of the Dream11 Super Smash in recent years. We felt Dane’s consistent weight of runs and the role he can play at the top of the order gave him the slight edge,” he concluded. It is great to see players getting rewarded for their performance in the domestic leagues. It will definitely motivate more people to give their best. 

New Zealand ODI squad: Tom Latham (c & wk), Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Will Young

New Zealand T20I squad: Tom Latham (c & wk), Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young