Kane Williamson Withdraws from New Zealand’s ODI Squad After T20I Exit; Santner to Lead Against West Indies

New Zealand will head into their upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies without one of their most influential figures. Kane Williamson, who recently stepped away from T20 internationals, has now opted out of the ODI contest as well. His focus has shifted entirely to the Black Caps’ preparations for next month’s ICC World Test Championship series, where he remains a central pillar of the team’s long-term strategy.

With Williamson unavailable, New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner when the ODIs begin on November 16 in Christchurch. The selectors have backed a combination of proven performers and new faces, continuing the momentum from their strong 2–1 ODI victory over England earlier in the season.

A major boost comes in the form of pace spearhead Matt Henry, who returns to the squad after a period on the sidelines. However, the team will still be without key white-ball talents Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson, both recovering from injuries.

Head coach Rob Walter said the group chosen reflects New Zealand’s desire to reward dependable performers while maintaining balance across departments. Walter praised seamer Blair Tickner for his crucial displays against England, noting that his energy, bounce, and aggression troubled some of the world's best batters.

“It was impressive to see him step in at short notice and perform the way he did,” Walter said. “His work behind the scenes is showing on the field, and he’ll continue to be an important part of our plans in another significant series.”

Walter also highlighted the strength of the West Indies squad, calling them a powerful team with players capable of altering the course of a match in any format. He expects the series to be fiercely competitive and stressed the importance of using these games as building blocks for future tournaments.

New Zealand’s 14-member squad includes:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Will Young.

The three ODIs will take place on November 16 (Christchurch), November 19 (Napier), and November 22 (Hamilton). Walter said the series offers another opportunity for the team to refine their combinations and continue developing depth across roles.

For Williamson, the decision marks a clear prioritisation of Test commitments, signalling a phase in which he aims to guide New Zealand through another demanding WTC cycle. His absence opens a chance for emerging batters to step forward as the Black Caps prepare for a packed home season.