New Zealand add 4 new faces to their 20-man central contract list for 2024-25 season
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has four new additions to their central contract list of 2024-25 season. Rachin Ravindra is amongst the most notable addition alongside the fast-bowling trio of Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and Will O'Rourke, making it a 20-member contract list.
Ravindra has seen a metoric rise for himself since his mercurial performance in the 2023 World Cup when the Kiwis reached the semi-finals. The left-hander finished as the fourth highest run-getter of the multi-nation event with 578 runs. The all-rounder also earned the ICC Emerging Player of the Year 2023 award.
Ravindra addressed his inclusion, claiming to have learned a lot in the last 12 months and the increasing desire to keep delivering. As quoted by Nzc.nz, he stated:
"Growing up you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment. It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the BLACKCAPS."
Spinner Ajaz Patel has also returned to the contract list ahead of a packed red-ball season, featuring overseas Tests against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India. Blair Tickner wasn't offered a contract.
New Zealand's 20-man contract list: Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
"We’re pleased with the current depth" - New Zealand men's chief selector
New Zealand men's team's chief selector Sam Wells lauded the quartet for earning their contracts and is chuffed to see the depth they have accumulated. He stated:
"It’s especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin and Will to receive their first contract offers, and well deserved following their hard work and performances. These younger guys are the future of the team and it’s been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage. We're producing international-ready BLACKCAPS and we’re pleased with the current depth."
The Black Caps suffered a group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup 2024 and will return to action in the three-match Test series in India in October.