Why Mitchell Santner is Not Playing Today in NZ vs SA 4th T20I?

New Zealand will take on South Africa in the 4th T20I match on March 22 in Wellington. The hosts are leading the series by 2-1, after losing the first match against the Proteas. They turned the tables after that loss, and now, if they win one more game, they'll win the series.

Ahead of the fourth match, skipper Mitchell Santner is not included in the playing 11 as the New Zealand team management has taken a bold decision ahead of the game.

Why Mitchell Santner is Not Playing Today Against South Africa?

New Zealand have already won two matches, and a win will seal the series for them. Hence, the management has decided to give one of the best spinners in the world, Santner, a rest for the match. Instead of him, Tom Latham was supposed to take over the team's captaincy, but he's out too due to a thumb injury. Hence, James Neesham has been handed over the team's responsibility.

The hosts have been quite dominating in the series after losing in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against India. It will be interesting to see if they manage to seal the series today by beating the Proteas one more time.