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New Zealand have announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
The team showcases a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, but the absence of four notable players from the 2023 ODI World Cup roster 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 Trophy squad.
4 players excluded from The one from New Zealand Team of the Champions Trophy 2025 after the triumph of the World Cup 2023
1. Trent Boult
Trent Boult, a cornerstone of the New Zealand bowling attack, has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad. His absence is not a selection decision but a result of his retirement from ODI cricket after New Zealand’s semi-final defeat in 2023. Boult’s impact on the tournament was significant as he claiming 14 wickets in 10 matches and played a pivotal role in guiding the Blackcaps to the knockout stage. stage His retirement marks the conclusion of a stellar ODI career, leaving an indelible legacy.
Also READ: 3 Australian players to miss 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in 2023 ODI World Cup
2. Jimmy Neesham
All of it Jimmy Neeshamwho played a limited role in the 2023 World Cup, has also been ruled out. Neesham featured in just three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking two wickets. His performance, along with inconsistent form, likely contributed to his exclusion. His last appearance was against south africa in November 2023, and since then he has struggled to regain his top form.
3. Ish Sodhi
Leg spinner Ish Sodhianother player from the 2023 World Cup squad, is missing from the Champions Trophy line-up. Sodhi played only one match in the World Cup and did not take a single wicket. His last international outing was against Sri Lanka in November 2024. With limited opportunities and an underwhelming performance, Sodhi’s exclusion signals New Zealand’s turn to other spin options.
4. Tim Southee
Tim Southeeone of New Zealand’s most experienced bowlers, has also moved away from the ODI format. Like Boult, Southee retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat. In the tournament, he took seven wickets in four matches, underscoring his value to the team. Southee’s departure marks the end of an illustrious career, leaving a legacy of leadership and consistency.
New faces in the squad: new talent on the rise
While the exclusion of four established players marks a significant change, New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy also features some exciting new talent. Will O’Rourke, Ben Searsi Nathan Smith they are all set to make their debut in the ICC tournament. These young pacers have impressed in domestic cricket and will add fresh energy to the New Zealand bowling attack. Sears, in particular, is returning to the fold after recovering from a knee injury. His resilience and potential have earned him a spot in the squad, 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 attacking pace alongside established names. With all-terrain support Michael Bracewellthese new faces will play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s bid for success at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
