Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Mitchell Santner has been confirmed as the new white-ball captain of New Zealand. He replaces Kane Williamson, who has stood down following the ICC T20 World Cup in June. With 243 international appearances for New Zealand, Santner will now captain the team in both ODIs and T20Is. Santner has already captained the BLACKCAPS in 24 T20Is and four ODIs.
Mitchell Santner Takes Over As White-Ball Captain Of New Zealand
New Zealand’s full-time leader’s initial stint will be in charge from the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for late December and early January. It was a statement Santner made about his excitement, honor, and taking this role, describing it to be a privilege to lead the BLACKCAPS over this period of transition that most expect the team to encounter going forward.
‘It’s A New Challenge’: Says Santner
“It’s obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked,” said Santner.
“When you’re a young kid the dream was always to play for New Zealand but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special.”
“It’s a new challenge and I’m excited to get stuck into the important period of white ball cricket that we have ahead of us.”
“There’s obviously a little bit of a changing of the guard with some of our experienced players at the back end of their careers.”
“I think that’s exciting for the remainder of the group and the young players to now take on the challenge and drive this team forward to further success,” said Santner.
Tom Latham To Remain Red-Ball Captain Of New Zealand
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead explained why Test captain Tom Latham, in his new role, hasn’t been given the additional responsibility of white-ball captaincy. Stead also said that Latham for now would focus solely on his responsibilities as Test captain. The series against Sri Lanka kicks off a packed schedule for New Zealand’s white-ball side, which will also feature an ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan in February and the ICC Champions Trophy in addition to a home series against Pakistan in both T20Is and ODIs as a conclusion to the New Zealand summer.
Gary Stead Explains Why Tom Latham Will Be Test Captain
“In Tom Latham we have an accomplished and experienced captain who has led the side admirably across all three formats.”
“Tom’s doing a great job as full-time Test captain since taking over in October and we’re keen to allow him to focus on that job which requires a considerable amount of time and energy,” said Stead.
The T20I series against Sri Lanka will start on December 28.
