Williamson successor locked in as New Zealand reveal new white-ball captain
A change at the top confirmed for New Zealand, as Mitchell Santner takes over as captain in ODI and T20I cricket.
Kane Williamson's successor as New Zealand's white-ball captain has been revealed with news that spinner Mitchell Santner has been appointed to the role.
Williamson served the Black Caps as skipper in all three formats across many years and recently stepped down as white-ball captain at the conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in June.
WATCH: Santner in action at the 2023 Cricket World Cup
Every Mitch Santner wicket during the CWC
Now Santner will get the chance to make the role his own, with the left-armer announced as the new captain of both white-ball teams ahead of New Zealand's white-ball series against Sri Lanka that commences later this month.
Santner, who has played 243 international matches for New Zealand, said it was a great thrill to take the reins from Williamson going forward.
“It's obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked,” Santner said.
“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.”
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Santner was an obvious choice for the role.
“Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game,” Stead noted.
“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.”
Santner's first task in his new role will be captaining the side for six white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka on home soil from December 23, with an ODI series in Pakistan in February also on the agenda ahead of next year's ICC Champions Trophy event.