NZ VS WI 2025
Blackcaps SquadMatt HenryMitchell SantnerWest Indies Tour

Santner Leads NZ vs WI ODIs; Henry Returns, Williamson Focuses on Tests

Shivansh Rana | 4 min read | 3 weeks ago | Nov 08, 2025 08:06 am IST
Santner Leads NZ vs WI ODIs; Henry Returns, Williamson Focuses on Tests

New Zealand just dropped their One Day International squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, and wow, it’s a talking point! Mitchell Santner steps up as captain, with star pace bowler Matt Henry making a much-anticipated return. But honestly, everyone’s buzzing about who isn’t there: Kane Williamson, opting to prep for the Test series, leaving a massive gap in the batting lineup.

Key Takeaways

  • Mitchell Santner takes the captaincy for the New Zealand ODI squad against West Indies.
  • Pace bowler Matt Henry returns after recovering from a calf strain.
  • Kane Williamson will miss the series, prioritizing preparation for the Test matches.
  • Blair Tickner retains his spot following impressive performances against England.
  • Seven key players, including Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips, are sidelined by injury.
  • New Zealand comes into the series with momentum, fresh off a 3-0 clean sweep over England.

Blackcaps Reshuffle: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

The squad announcement, made between November 6-7, 2025, sees some big shifts. You’ll see familiar faces like Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, and Tom Latham (wk), but the leadership change is definitely turning heads. Santner leading? Yeah, it’s a big deal, especially with so many experienced guys out. The Blackcaps are really leaning into their depth.

And let’s talk about the returns. Matt Henry is back after battling a calf strain, and head coach Rob Walter couldn’t be clearer, calling him a “vital member” and “senior leader” of the pace attack. That’s a huge boost for their bowling unit. Blair Tickner, who absolutely shone in the England series, also keeps his spot, and Walter praised his “impressive Player of the Match performances.”

The Injury Report: A Long List of Absentees

But honestly, the injury list is just brutal. Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) are all out. That’s a serious chunk of talent missing, forcing the Blackcaps to dig deep into their player pool. It makes Santner’s captaincy even more challenging, doesn’t it?

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Expert Analysis: Henry’s Return and Williamson’s Choice

Cricket pundits are weighing in, and there’s a consensus: Matt Henry’s return is critical. His experience and wicket-taking ability will be essential, especially with such a depleted squad. He brings stability and a proven track record. It’s a silver lining amidst the injury cloud, for sure.

And what about Kane Williamson? His decision to focus solely on the Test series, starting December 2, 2025, against the West Indies, and his recent retirement from T20I cricket, shows a clear strategic shift. He’s prioritizing the longer format, which, while understandable, leaves a void in the ODI setup. It’s a calculated move, but one that definitely impacts the team’s immediate strength in white-ball cricket.

Social Media Storm: Fans React to Squad Shake-Up

Oh, you know social media exploded when this news dropped! Fans are split. Many are excited to see Santner lead and welcome Henry back with open arms. There’s a real sense of optimism after the 3-0 clean sweep against England. But then there’s the other side: disappointment over Williamson’s absence. Some feel the team needs his presence across all formats, while others commend his focus on Test cricket.

The debate is raging across X and Facebook. #Blackcaps and #NZvWI are trending, with fans posting everything from excited predictions for the series to concerns about the team’s depth against a strong West Indies side. It’s a mixed bag of emotions, but everyone agrees this series, kicking off on November 16, 2025, in Christchurch, is going to be a fascinating watch.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Test Series

So, the Blackcaps have their work cut out for them. They’ll face the West Indies in three ODIs: November 16 in Christchurch, November 19 in Napier, and the final match on November 22 in Hamilton. This series isn’t just about winning; it’s about building momentum and testing their bench strength ahead of that crucial Test series where Williamson will return. Can Santner’s leadership inspire a team missing so many key players?

The West Indies already secured a seven-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20I on November 5, 2025, where Santner himself scored a fighting half-century in a losing effort. So, the visitors aren’t to be underestimated. This ODI series sets the stage for what promises to be an intense summer of cricket. What do you think, can this revamped Blackcaps squad pull off another clean sweep?