New Zealand have introduced their 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which can be held in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
The squad showcases a mixture of skilled gamers and rising skills, however the absence of 4 notable gamers from the 2023 ODI World Cup roster has caught the eye of followers and analysts alike.
New Zealand’s efficiency within the 2023 ODI World Cup
Within the ICC Males’s ODI World Cup 2023, the Blackcaps delivered a powerful efficiency, reaching the semifinals earlier than falling quick in opposition to hosts India. Regardless of their valiant efforts, New Zealand was defeated by 70 runs in a high-stakes encounter. A number of gamers who have been key contributors throughout the event at the moment are conspicuously lacking from the Champions Trophy squad.
4 gamers excluded from New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad after the 2023 World Cup triumph
1. Trent Boult
Trent Boult, a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling assault, has not been included within the Champions Trophy squad. His absence just isn’t a variety determination however a results of his retirement from ODI cricket following New Zealand’s semifinal loss in 2023. Boult’s affect on the event was important, claiming 14 wickets in 10 matches and enjoying a pivotal position in guiding the Blackcaps to the knockout stage. His retirement marks the conclusion of a stellar ODI profession, leaving an indelible legacy.
Additionally READ: 3 Australian gamers to overlook out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after enjoying in ODI World Cup 2023
2. Jimmy Neesham
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who had a restricted position within the 2023 World Cup, has additionally been overlooked. Neesham featured in simply three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His efficiency, coupled with inconsistent type, doubtless contributed to his exclusion. His final look got here in opposition to South Africa in November 2023, and he has struggled to regain his peak type since.
3. Ish Sodhi
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, one other participant from the 2023 World Cup squad, is lacking from the Champions Trophy lineup. Sodhi performed just one match within the World Cup and failed to say any wickets. His final worldwide outing was in opposition to Sri Lanka in November 2024. With restricted alternatives and an underwhelming efficiency, Sodhi’s exclusion alerts New Zealand’s pivot towards different spinning choices.
4.Tim Southee
Tim Southee, certainly one of New Zealand’s most seasoned bowlers, has additionally stepped away from the ODI format. Like Boult, Southee retired from ODI after the 2023 World Cup semifinal defeat. Within the event, he took seven wickets in 4 matches, underscoring his worth to the staff. Southee’s departure marks the tip of an illustrious profession, leaving a legacy of management and consistency.
New Faces within the squad: Contemporary expertise on the rise
Whereas the exclusion of 4 established gamers marks a major change, New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy additionally consists of some thrilling new expertise. Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith are all set to make their ICC event debuts. These younger pacers have impressed in home cricket and can add recent vitality to New Zealand’s bowling assault. Sears, particularly, is making a return to the fold after recovering from a knee damage. His resilience and potential have earned him a spot within the squad, and he’s anticipated to carry a recent dynamic to the staff.
O’Rourke and Smith, each rising stars in New Zealand’s home scene, will strengthen the tempo assault alongside established names. With the assist of all-rounder Michael Bracewell, these new faces are set to play a pivotal position in New Zealand’s bid for achievement within the 2025 Champions Trophy.