New Zealand has announced its 15-man roster for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in a mixed format co-hosted by it Pakistan and United Arab Emirates From February 19th to March 9th.
The team showcases a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, but the absence of four notable players from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
New Zealand's performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup
In the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, the Blackcaps put in an impressive performance, reaching the semi-finals before falling short to the hosts. India. Despite their valiant efforts, New Zealand were defeated by 70 runs in a high-stakes encounter. Several players who were key contributors during the tournament are now conspicuously missing from the Champions Cup squad.
4 players excluded New Zealand Champions Cup 2025 squad after winning the 2023 World Cup
1. Trent Bolt
trent bolt, The cornerstone of New Zealand's bowling attack, he was not included in the Champions Trophy squad. His absence is not a casting decision but a result of his retirement from ODI cricket after New Zealand's semi-final loss in 2023. Boult's impact on the tournament was significant, as he took 14 wickets in 10 matches and played a pivotal role in guiding the Black Caps to the knockout stage. platform. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable ODI career, leaving an indelible legacy.
also Read: 3 Australian players who will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup
2. Jimmy Neesham
comprehensive Jimmy NeeshamNeesham, who had a limited role in the 2023 World Cup, was also left out. Neesham played just three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His performance, coupled with inconsistent form, likely contributed to his exclusion. His last appearance came against South Africa In November 2023, he has been struggling to regain his peak form ever since.
3. Ish Sodhi
leg spinner Ish Sodhianother player from the 2023 World Cup squad, is absent from the Champions Trophy squad. Sodhi played only one match in the World Cup and failed to take any wickets. His last international outing was against Sri Lanka In November 2024. With limited opportunities and a disappointing performance, Sodhi's exclusion signals New Zealand's shift towards other spin options.
4. Tim Southey
Tim Southeyone of New Zealand's most experienced bowlers, has also moved away from the ODI format. Like Boult, Southee retired from ODI following the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat. In the tournament, he took seven wickets in four matches, underscoring his importance to the team. Southee's passing marks the end of an illustrious career, leaving a legacy of leadership and consistency.
New faces in the team: New talent is on the rise
While the omission of four established players represents a big change, New Zealand's 2025 Champions Cup squad also includes some exciting new talent. Will O'Rourke, Ben Searsand Nathan Smith They are all set to make their debut in the ICC tournament. These young players have shone in domestic cricket and will add new energy to New Zealand's bowling attack. Sears, in particular, is returning to the fold after recovering from a knee injury. His flexibility and potential have earned him a place in the team, and he is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team.
O'Rourke and Smith, both rising stars on the New Zealand domestic scene, will bolster the attack alongside established names. With the support of every rounder Michael BracewellThese new faces are set to play a pivotal role in New Zealand's quest for success in the 2025 Champions Cup.
