Martin Guptill and Trent Boult dropped as New Zealand announce squads for India series

Finn Allen will play against India for the first time [Source: AP]

In a significant turn of events, New Zealand have dropped Martin Guptill and Trent Boult from both ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming India series. 

While Ish Sodhi and Blair Tickner have been included only for the T20Is, Tom Latham and Matt Henry are picked only for the ODI series. However, the core players, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner, have made it into both teams. On the other hand, Henry Nicholls will replace Jimmy Neesham in the third ODI, as the all-rounder will be preparing for his wedding. 

In another major development, Adam Milne is in line to play his first ODI since 2017, building on his return to the T20 International arena during the recent Tri-Series and last year’s ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead explained the reasons behind excluding Guptill and Boult, assuring them that they would be in the reckoning for selection in future tours. 

Here's what Gary Stead stated

"We’re all aware of Trent’s world class ability, but at this time - as we build towards more global events, we want to give opportunities and experiences to others. The emergence and success of Finn at the top of the order in white-ball cricket means a guy of the class of Martin Guptill misses out – that’s just the nature of high performance sport,

“With the 50-over World Cup less than a year away we’re keen to give Finn every opportunity to keep gaining ODI experience, especially against quality opposition such as India. The message to both those players is that there’s a lot of international cricket ahead and the door is certainly not closed to them.”

New Zealand squad for India series

Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway (WK), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry (ODI), Tom Latham (ODI), Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham (Will be replaced by Henry Nicholls in the 3rd ODI), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (T20I), Tim Southee, Blair Tickner (T20I)

The three-match T20I series commences on November 18. It will be followed by the three-match ODI series starting on November 25. 

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