Mitchell Santner replaces Kane Williamson as New Zealand white-ball captain

Mitchell Santner has been named the new New Zealand white-ball captain, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on August 18 (Wednesday). He replaces Kane Williamson, who stepped down at the end of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Santner takes over as the permanent leader of the side after previously stepping into that role on an interim basis, leading New Zealand in 24 T20 Internationals (T20I) and four One-Day Internationals (ODI). 

The 32-year-old's first series as captain will be the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka in December-January. He will also lead his side in an ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan in February, the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by a white-ball series against Pakistan at home to conclude their home summer.

“It's obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked,” said Santner on taking over as skipper.

“When you're a young kid, the dream was always to play for New Zealand, but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special. It’s a new challenge and I’m excited to get stuck into the important period of white ball cricket that we have ahead of us.”

Santner is one of four New Zealand players who has represented his country in 100 ODIs and T20Is. He first led the side in a T20I against the West Indies in 2020, and two years later, he became New Zealand's 24th ODI captain when he led in the only ODI against Scotland in Edinburgh.

“There’s obviously a little bit of a changing of the guard with some of our experienced players at the back end of their careers. I think that’s exciting for the remainder of the group and the young players to now take on the challenge and drive this team forward to further success.”

Head coach Gary Stead believes Santner is well-suited for the role. “Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game,” said Stead.

“He’s an incredibly calm and collected personality and he has a huge amount of respect in the changing room, which will serve him well. He’s had plenty of experience leading the T20 side and did a good job when he captained the ODI team last month, so he already has a good understanding of what it means to lead the team. I’m sure Mitch will also bring his own ideas and style of leadership to the role.”

Speaking of the wider leadership roles in New Zealand cricket, Stead said, “In Tom Latham we have an accomplished and experienced captain who has led the side admirably across all three formats.

“Tom’s doing a great job as full-time Test captain since taking over in October and we’re keen to allow him to focus on that job which requires a considerable amount of time and energy.”

The New Zealand squad for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, starting December 28 at the Bay Oval, will be announced on December 23 (Monday).

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