IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson to lead squad, BlackCaps call up Hamish Bennett for India T20Is

After nearly three years since his last appearance for New Zealand, Hamish Bennett is in line to make his T20I debut against India.

The 32-year-old medium-fast bowler has been included in the 14-man squad led by the returning Kane Williamson for the five-match series.

Bennett's recall comes after the Kiwis have been struck with an injury crisis in the ranks. 

Hamish Bennett with media duties this morning at the @BasinReserve. The @wgtnfirebirds bowler getting set for the @SuperSmashNZ Grand Final on Sunday before joining the T20 squad to face India. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/yzbjyhsOeI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 15, 2020

Besides Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson - who have been sidelined with injuries - the BlackCaps are also missing Matt Henry (thumb), Doug Bracewell (knee), Will Young (shoulder), Adam Milne (ankle), Tom Latham (finger) and Seth Rance (Achilles tendon).

"We're delighted to have Hamish back in the fold for what will be a huge series against India," Chief Selector Gavin Larsen said, according to Cricbuzz. 

"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."

New Zealand T20I Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Hamish Bennett, Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Tom Bruce (matches 4-5) Colin de Grandhomme (matches 1-3).