Mumbai Indians' surprise recruit Bevon Jacobs included in New Zealand's T20 squad for Sri Lanka series

Bevon Jacobs, who merged as a surprise buy for Mumbai Indians at the Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2025, earned a maiden call-up to the New Zealand cricket team Monday for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka. Jacobs, who was bought by MI for Rs 30 lakh , was only included in the T20 squad.

“It’s obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family,” said New Zealand selector Sam Wells. “He’s a promising player with a lot of talent and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket.

“He’s clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he’s also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament.”

Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry all return to the white-ball squads after missing last month’s trip to Sri Lanka to prepare for the just-finished England Test series.

Henry leads a youthful pace attack which includes Zac Foulkes, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy and all-rounder Nathan Smith.

Santner is the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.

Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are playing in South Africa’s SA20 competition and were unavailable while Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) continue their rehabilitation from injury.

The Blackcaps face Sri Lanka in three T20s starting Saturday in Mount Maunganui followed by a three-match ODI series from 5 January. The T20 series will mark the start of Mitchell Santner’s tenure as white-ball captain.

New Zealand T20 squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith

New Zealand ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young

With agency inputs