Tom Lathan will return to lead the New Zealand team in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the absence of Tim Southee and Kane Williamson, who will miss out on the series to participate in the Indian Premier League 2023.

Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Devon Conway, and Mitchell Santner were released after the Test series against Sri Lanka, whereas Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips are allowed to leave the squad after playing the first ODI on March 25.

Lathan will return to the T20 side for the first time since 2021 to lead his team against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Speaking on Latham’s appointment as the skipper, Kiwi coach Mike Stead said: “We saw against India earlier this season the power and range of shots that Tom possesses. His adaptability also means he can feature in a range of batting positions.”

Mike stead further continued that Tom Latham has impressed everyone with captaincy skills against Bangladesh in 2021. Tom Latham will look to inspire this young-looking kiwis’ side in absence of their marquee players. Chad Bowes and Henry Shipley are an interesting addition to this team–and will look to put up a good performance for their side.

“He led an inexperienced T20 squad to Bangladesh in 2021 and we were impressed with his leadership of that group during a COVID bubble tour.”

With Michael Stead opting for a break during the Pakistan series. Shane Jurgensen will lead the coaching staff for the T20 series in Pakistan and Stead will return for the 50-over fixtures against Men in Green.

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (captain), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (not Pakistan series), Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.

Dane Cleaver, Cole McConchie, Blair Tickner ( Pakistan Series)

New Zealand Players Join IPL Franchises Ahead Of the 2023 Season

New Zealand cricketers Kane Williamson (Gujarat Titans), Trent Boult (Rajasthan Royals), Michael Bracewell (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Devon Conway, and Mitchell Santer (Chennai Super Kings) have joined their respective franchises ahead of Indian Premier League 2023. The Kiwis players will available for the entire season of 2023 with their teams.

Indian Premier League 2023, is all set to begin on March 31, in Ahmedabad with defending champions Gujarat Titans(GT) taking on four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening encounter of the cash-rich league.