Reports: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Trent Boult to be rested for either T20I or ODI series against India

It has been reported that New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and pace spearhead Trent Boult are unlikely to take part in the home white-ball series against India starting Friday, November 18. Both teams will be playing in a three-match T20I series which will be followed by as many One Day Internationals.

The reason why Williamson and Boult are not available for the entire bilateral series is because they might be rested following the  T20 World Cup 2022 campaign. The Kiwis enjoyed an excellent campaign in the T20 World Cup, before a seven-wicket defeat in the semis against Pakistan halted their progress in the tournament.

Kane Williamson and Trent Boult might not be available for India series

According to reports, New Zealand Cricket is expected to announce two separate squads for the upcoming limited-overs series against India, and Kane Williamson and Trent Boult could be rested from either the T20I or ODI series.

Captain Williamson’s performances were not so impressive in the T20 World Cup and even though he did manage to score 46 in the semifinal against Pakistan, it was completely a cautious batting approach from him that mostly saw him rotate strike as the Black Caps lost wickets at the other end.

Trent Boult, on the other hand, has refrained from signing the New Zealand central contract in order to make himself fully available for participating in the overseas franchise leagues.

New Zealand Cricket received a couple more setbacks when all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme announced his retirement from international cricket and James Neesham also turned down the central contract to play franchise cricket.

Boult is all set to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut as he has been signed by the Melbourne Stars for the 2022/23 season. In fact, the left-arm pacer was one of the platinum players for the BBL overseas draft that included the likes of Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan, Caribbean power-hitter Andre Russell, and explosive England opener Jason Roy to name a few.