Family members unveil New Zealand squad for ODI World Cup 2023, NZC receive adulation from fans for special gesture

New Zealand are one of the dark horses to win the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. They have some fine players who have a decent amount of experience playing in Indian conditions. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) decided to announce their 15-member squad for the showpiece event. However, their style of unveiling the players was special.

A heartwarming video featuring the family members of the players was released from the official social media accounts of the Blackcaps to unveil the squad. Kids of Kane Williamson and Trent Boult adorably announced the names of their fathers. Will Young’s mother and Jimmy Neesham’s grandmother were also seen in the video. Wives and girlfriends of some of the players were also spotted at various stages in the clip. Cricket enthusiasts lauded NZC’s fresh method of announcing the 15-man squad for the marquee event.

Our 2023 @cricketworldcup squad introduced by their number 1 fans! #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/e7rgAD21mH

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 11, 2023

Williamson, who is currently with the New Zealand squad in England, recuperating from the injury he suffered during the Indian Premier League earlier this year, has been picked in the squad as the captain. This means the talismanic right-handed batter is on the verge of attaining full fitness. It comes as a huge relief to the fans as the veteran was almost certain to miss out on playing in the World Cup.

Tom Latham, who is leading the ODI team in England, has been named as Williamson’s deputy. Inexperienced spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is one of the surprise picks in the squad. On the other hand, the likes of Finn Allen, Kyle Jamieson, and Adam Milne missed out on selection.

The four-match ODI series between England and New Zealand is currently tied at 1-1 after two games. After this series, the Kiwis will travel to Bangladesh to play a three-match ODI series against Shakib Al Hasan’s men in Dhaka.