New Zealand have made changes to their bowling attack for the fifth and final ODI against India at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The biggest talking point ahead of the series decider is the absence of experienced fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson.

NZ vs IND: Why are Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson not playing 5th ODI?

Both Henry and Jamieson have been released from the ODI squad to join New Zealand’s preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, which begins on November 19 in Wellington.

Their absence is not due to injury or a fitness concern. Instead, the team management has decided to manage the players’ workload and give them sufficient time to prepare for the longer format.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner confirmed the reason for the two fast bowlers’ absence during the toss at Bay Oval.

“Obviously, Matt Henry and Kyle have gone to join the guys for Test preparation. It was nice to get six overs out of KJ. We’ve got Duffy and Tickner coming back in, who are also great bowlers. So, it’s a similar combination with four seamers again,” Santner said.

Henry’s absence is particularly significant after his sensational performance in the fourth ODI. The experienced pacer dismantled India’s batting order with figures of 6/27, helping New Zealand register a massive 244-run victory.

Jamieson had also featured in the previous match, bowling six overs and conceding 41 runs without taking a wicket.

With the Test series approaching, New Zealand have decided not to risk unnecessary workload for their frontline fast bowlers.

Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner return to New Zealand’s playing XI

With Henry and Jamieson unavailable, New Zealand have brought back Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner for the final ODI.

Duffy provides an experienced pace option, while Tickner returns after completing the mandatory stand-down period following the blow to his helmet during the second ODI.

New Zealand captain Santner also explained that rotating players was important given the demanding international schedule.

“With the schedule and everything going on, you have to rotate the players around a little bit. It gives guys opportunities, which is cool. It’s a World Cup year as well, so we’re building the depth of our bowling stocks, and the guys have come in and performed straight away, which is always nice.”

The changes also give New Zealand an opportunity to assess their bowling depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Also READ: NZ vs IND: Bay Oval ODI stats – From lowest total recorded to highest score chased

NZ vs IND, 5th ODI: Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur.

New Zealand: Will Young, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher.

India have also made changes to their combination, with Mohammed Siraj and Yash Thakur featuring in the playing XI.

Yash Thakur receives his maiden ODI cap 👏#cricket #NZvIND #ODI pic.twitter.com/HrJaaPmjwv

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India aim to seal ODI series against New Zealand

India entered the final ODI with a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Following their disappointing 244-run defeat in the fourth match, Shreyas Iyer’s team will be eager to produce a stronger performance.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of their home conditions and level the series.

The absence of Henry and Jamieson provides India with an opportunity to bounce back against a reshuffled bowling attack. However, Duffy, Tickner and the remaining New Zealand bowlers will be keen to make their opportunity count.

Also READ: Indian players who lost their first ODI and T20I matches as captain ft. Shreyas Iyer

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