New Zealand have named Mitchell Santner as their new captain for the ODI and T20I formats. Santner is an experienced New Zealand cricketer and has served the national team for several years.

Santner replaces Kane Williamson as the new white-ball captain. Williamson had earlier resigned as captain following the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, where New Zealand had a dismal campaign and failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

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Mitchell Santner becomes New Zealand's new white-ball captain

News | Mitchell Santner has been named the new BLACKCAPS white-ball captain, officially taking over the role from Kane Williamson, who stepped down after the ICC T20 World Cup in June. #CricketNation https://t.co/nnMQJt5Q1R

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2024

Mitchell Santner has played 30 Tests, 107 ODIs and 106 T20Is so far. He debuted on the international stage back in 2015 and was then seen as the successor to former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

Over the years he has developed into an integral player in this Blackcaps team. His bowling skills have improved significantly and he has developed into a fine lower-order batter.

He will now captain New Zealand in both ODIs and T20Is. He has already led the team in 4 ODIs and 24 T20Is so far on a temporary basis and now he will lead them as the permanent captain.

Santner's official tenure as full-time captain begins in the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, to be played in December 2024 and January 2025. The series will be played in New Zealand.

Mitchell Santner talks about being named captain

Speaking to New Zealand Cricket, Mitchell Santner revealed that he was honored to be named captain of his country, but added that it would be a new challenge for him. He is excited to take on the challenge of leading his team.

“Obviously it's a great honor and privilege to be asked. "When you're young, you've always dreamed of playing for New Zealand, but to have the opportunity to officially lead your country across two formats is special," Santner said.

"It's a new challenge and I'm excited to get stuck into an important period of white-ball cricket ahead," he noted.

The all-rounder was excited for the whole group to start a new chapter with New Zealand cricket. But he also mentioned the role of experienced players during this transitional phase.

"Obviously there's been a bit of a reshuffle with some of our experienced players at the end of their careers. I think it's exciting for the rest of the group and the young players to take on the challenge now and lead this team forward to further success," Santner added.

A new challenge for Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner will have very little time to prepare the team for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in February-March next year. As the captain of the team, he will strive to prepare a solid team with a good mix of youth experience.

Before the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will play a tri-series in Pakistan in February. To end the domestic summer, the Kiwis will play an ODI and T20I series against Pakistan at home.