Mitchell Santner Appointed Full-Time Captain of New Zealand's White-Ball Teams
Mitchell Santner has officially been appointed as the full-time captain of New Zealand’s white-ball teams, overseeing both the T20I and ODI formats. Santner takes over the role from Kane Williamson, who stepped down following the Black Caps' early exit from the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Santner, who has represented New Zealand in more than 100 matches across both white-ball formats, has a wealth of experience as a leader, having already captained the team in 24 T20Is and 4 ODIs, including during the recent series in Sri Lanka. His first assignment as captain will begin with the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, set to take place in late December and early January. This series marks the start of a demanding period for New Zealand, which includes an ODI tri-series in Pakistan in February, the ICC Champions Trophy, and a home series against Pakistan to conclude the summer.
In response to his appointment, Santner said, "It’s a huge honor and privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of the white-ball teams. Growing up, my dream was always to represent New Zealand, but now to lead the team in two formats is particularly special. I’m excited to take on this new challenge and help drive the team forward during a key phase of white-ball cricket." He also acknowledged the team’s evolving makeup, noting the opportunity for younger players to step up as some experienced players near the end of their careers.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead explained the decision to appoint Santner, stating it allows Test captain Tom Latham to dedicate his focus to the red-ball format. "Tom Latham has shown tremendous leadership in the Test format since taking over in October, and we want him to be able to concentrate on that responsibility. Mitchell is an ideal choice to lead the white-ball teams during this crucial phase."
Santner’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for New Zealand cricket, as the team looks to build on its successes and navigate a busy schedule in the coming months.
