New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will skip the upcoming three-match T20I series against India as he wants to focus on the subsequent two-Test series, which is part of the second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Tim Southee will lead the Black Caps in the T20I series, beginning November 17 in Jaipur, confirmed New Zealand Cricket through a media release.
"With the opening game of the T20 series on Wednesday evening, followed by games on Friday and Sunday night - the decision was made for Williamson to join the Test specialist group already training in Jaipur as they focus on red-ball preparation," NZC added.
"Tim Southee will captain the T20 side for the opening game on Wednesday, while Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are also available for both series," it further stated.
Speedster Lockie Ferguson's recovery from a right calf-strain continues to progress well and he is expected to be available for the T20I series as well.
After the first T20I in Jaipur, both the teams will move to Ranchi (November 19) for the second game while Kolkata (November 21) will host the last match of the series.
The two Tests will be played in Kanpur (November 25-29) and Mumbai (December 3-7).
