Tom Latham’s explosive comeback: New faces in New Zealand T20 team, will take over the captaincy, series ready against South Africa

New Delhi. The New Zealand Cricket Board has announced the squad for the five-match home T20 series against South Africa. This time veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham has returned to the team. Mitchell Santner will captain the team in the first three matches, while Latham will lead the team in the last two matches.

Many players who performed in the T20 World Cup 2026 have got a chance again, while some experienced players have been given rest. Three new uncapped players have been added to the squad: Katelyn Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox. Clarke and Lennox will be seen playing in the last two matches. Katelyn Clarke recently scored 431 runs in the Super Smash season and led Northern Brave to the domestic T20 title.

According to selector Gavin Larsen, the reason for Latham’s return is his excellent Super Smash season and experience. “Tom brings his quality and leadership, which will also come in handy during the white-ball tour of Bangladesh in April.”

Some key players in the team did not get a place due to injury and workload management. It includes Michael Bracewell, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner. Whereas Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert were rested.

New Zealand’s squad is as follows: Mitchell Santner (captain, matches 1-3), Katelyn Clarke (match 4-5), Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk, matches 4-5), Devon Conway (wk, matches 1-3), Lockie Ferguson (match 2-3), Jack Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham. (wicketkeeper, match 4-5 captain), Jayden Lennox (match 4-5), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish SodhiThe series begins on March 15 at Mount Maunganui, and the eyes of the world are on the team’s performance.