Why Kane Williamson Was Left Out of New Zealand’s ODI Squad for India Tour

On Tuesday, New Zealand revealed their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming India tour. The Kiwis are going to play nearly all of their best players for the T20I series, with the World Cup coming just after it, but their ODI squad is devoid of almost all their big-name players. What is more, the former captain Kane Williamson, who has retired from T20Is, is not in the ODI team either, which shocks and surprises many

The explanation for this situation is the relaxed contract that Williamson has signed with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). This agreement permits the middle-aged cricketer to select and take part in the series he prefers. Furthermore, the ODI matches between India and New Zealand exactly coincide with the opening of the fourth season of SA20, which is scheduled to start on December 26, and Williamson will be playing for the Durban Super Giants in the tournament.

The relaxed contract also gives Williamson the option to put T20 leagues above the national team. This is not the first instance where the 35-year-old is missing out on New Zealand games due to T20 leagues. Earlier this year, he was not part of the Test series against Zimbabwe and also missed the T20I tri-series that came before it as he was playing in the T20 Blast for Middlesex and two County Championship matches as well as the Hundred for London Spirit.

New Zealand announce new-look ODI squad for India tour

Having the ODI format as one of the least priority issues at the moment, New Zealand have chosen a squad with a major share of the inexperienced and a new one. Their regular captain, Mitchell Santner, is sidelined due to a groin injury that is being managed with the T20 World Cup coming up soon after, while their premier all-format fast bowler Matt Henry will also skip the ODIs to continue his rehabilitation from a calf tear. Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke and Blair Tickner were not considered because of injuries on the side, back, and shoulder, respectively.