With the ODI World Cup in 2023 India just around the corner, New Zealand On Monday (September 11), they announced their 15-member squad for the prestigious event.
Remarkably, Ken Williamson And Tim Southee It will be their fourth appearance in the ODI World Cup adding considerable experience to their squad. Additionally, six players are set to make their debut in this marquee tournament: Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra And Will Young All got a place in the ODI World Cup squad for the first time.
Recalling the dramatic 2019 edition where they narrowly missed out on the title England, New Zealand aim to kick off their 2023 campaign with a rematch against reigning champions England. The exciting encounter is scheduled to take place on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Despite this, several players who were instrumental in New Zealand’s 2019 ODI World Cup campaign were dropped during this period. Like other cricket teams, New Zealand has entered a transitional phase marked by significant changes in both their pace bowling arsenal and batting lineup.
Here are five Blackcap players who made significant contributions in the 2019 ODI World Cup but will not be part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad:
1. Martin Guptill
A native of Auckland Martin Guptill Made a reputation for his consistent runs in ODI cricket. His impact on the game is immense, capable of single-handedly destroying opponents. Across 27 World Cup games, he has amassed nearly 1000 runs with 2 centuries and 4 fifties. His most memorable World Cup performance was his stunning 237 in the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup. However, in the 2019 World Cup, where New Zealand reached the final, Guptill scored just 188 runs in 10 matches at a disappointing average of 17.09.
Guptill’s last ODI appearance for the Blackcaps was in September 2022. He was part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia but did not play a game. Finn Allen Preferred as an opening batter. He was then dropped from the team for the series against India. After that he was released from the central contract. Guptill has not officially retired from international cricket and has expressed his desire to continue playing. Still, today’s selection by New Zealand indicates that the cricket board is looking to the future, potentially signaling the end of Guptill’s international career.
2. Colin Munro
Colin Munro, who formed a partnership with Guptill as the opening batsman in the 2019 World Cup, was known for his aggressive style of play, especially in the shortest format of the game. Nevertheless, like Guptill, Munro found it challenging to leave a significant mark on the grand stage, scoring just 125 runs in six matches at an average of 25. His performance was so poor that he was dropped from the final game against England. Munro’s most recent appearance for the Black Caps came in 2020 when they faced India in a T20I game.
Also Read: 7 Australian players who featured in 2019 ODI World Cup but will not play in 2023 WCC
3. Henry Nichols
Henry Nicholls‘ One of the most notable omissions was his omission from the 2023 ODI squad. Currently, he is part of the New Zealand squad that is competing in the four-match ODI series against England and even played in the first match. Nevertheless, Kane Williamson’s return to the team and the choice of Mark Chapman played a key role in Nicholls’ omission.
Moreover, Nicholls’ recent form in the 50-over format has not been impressive, with 50-plus scores in his last 13 games. During the last World Cup in England, he managed to score just 91 runs in four games, including a half-century, which notably came in the crucial final game against England. However, despite his efforts, the Blackcaps could not secure a win in that match.
4. Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor Undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and accomplished cricketers in the history of international cricket, he is a source of great pride for New Zealand. He was renowned for his impeccable technique and ability to adapt his game to different situations. Taylor has the versatility to play wide shots, making him a valuable asset to his team.
In the 2019 World Cup, Taylor demonstrated his exceptional cricketing skills by amassing 350 runs at an average of 38 overs in 10 matches. He played important innings throughout the tournament, with a standout moment being his match-winning 74 in the semis. – Final. Despite his team’s defeat in the final, Taylor ended his illustrious international career with a defining innings of 47 not out against India. This crucial contribution played a vital role in New Zealand winning the championship title in the inaugural edition. World Test Championship (WTC) In 2021.
5. Colin de Grandhomme
Colin de Grandhomme Played an important role for his team in the 2019 World Cup as an exceptional all-rounder. In 10 games, he contributed significantly with 190 runs at a strike rate of over 100. Additionally, he displayed his prowess with the ball, claiming six crucial wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.15. His all-round performance was instrumental in New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament.
De Grandhomme was also a valuable member of the New Zealand team that won the ICC WTC final against India. However, in 2022, at the age of 36, he took the difficult decision to retire from international cricket. The move was initially influenced by persistent injuries and increasing competition within the team.
Special mention: Tom Blundell
Tom Blundell, despite being part of the squad, did not get to play in the entire CWC 2019. However, he served as the 12th man for the New Zealand cricket team during the final against England. In 2021, he suffered a setback with a back injury, which sidelined him temporarily. However, Blundell’s determination and skill allowed him to quickly return to the team, participating in matches across formats.
Notably, he recently played an ODI match Bangladesh on September 26, 2023, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability. However, the selectors may have taken into account the presence of wicketkeeping options such as Tom Latham And Devon Conway, both are left-handed batsmen. This consideration could have worked against Blundell, resulting in his exclusion from the final fifteen players selected for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
