Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham to Share Captaincy in T20I Series Against South Africa

Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham will share captaincy duties in the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa. Regular captain Santner will lead the team in the first two games, whereas Tom Latham will take charge in the last two matches.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) decided to give certain players breaks during the series so that they can stay fresh for upcoming away tours, including the Bangladesh tour in April–May and the winter tours to England and the West Indies.

"We've certainly had to be pragmatic in selecting this squad. We're lucky to have strong depth across the different skill-sets which has afforded us the opportunity to rest a few players and introduce some others.” said the chief selector of New Zealand, Gavin Larsen.

He added that while some players are being rested for the upcoming matches, an exciting opportunity has risen for the players who are waiting on the bench to showcase their talent.

"That provides an excellent opportunity for many to stake their claim for regular inclusion in the T20 team moving forward as we begin a new World Cup cycle." said Gavin Larsen.

Talking about the upcoming New Zealand vs South Africa T20I series, Larsen said that it would be an exciting contest between two teams that have plenty of talent in their ranks.

"The show goes on as they say and it promises to be a big series against South Africa who are always strong and will be smarting from the loss in the World Cup semi-final," said Gavin Larsen.

"It's a great opportunity for Kiwi fans to see many of our guys back on the park so quickly after the World Cup and I know those in the squad are looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd again." added Gavin Larsen.

New Zealand T20I Squad for South Africa Series

Mitchell Santner (capt), Katene Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (capt), Jayden Lennox, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi