Hamish Bennett has been recalled to the Blackcaps in a 14-man squad which Kane Williamson will captain for the five-match T20 series against India.
With Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson out injured, Bennett is in line to make his first appearance for the national side since 2017.
The selection is reward for Bennett, who is currently equal-third highest wicket-taker in this season’s Super Smash with 14 wickets at an average of 18.4.
“We’re delighted to have Hamish back in the fold for what will be a huge series against India,” selector Gavin Larsen said.
“Over the past few seasons he’s consistently been one of the top domestic white-ball bowlers and we’ve been impressed how he’s been able to evolve his game.
“We all know he brings good pace and bounce but it’s the clever variations he’s added that make him such a well-rounded T20 bowler.”
Tom Bruce has also been recalled for the final two games of the series in a swap-out with Colin de Grandhomme.
Jimmy Neesham, who missed the final two round-robin games of the Super Smash with an injured quad, will play for New Zealand A in three one-dayers against India A next week.
“We see both Daryl (Mitchell) and Jimmy as important all-rounders in the T20 format. With a travelling squad of just 13 and the need to balance the options for the series, Daryl gets this opportunity against India as a reward for his consistent form for the Blackcaps.”
T20 squad: Kane Williamson (c), Hamish Bennett, Tom Bruce (games 4-5), Colin de Grandhomme (games 1-3), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
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