Finn Allen To Not Open Innings vs India; Coach Confirms

Finn Allen for New Zealand - (AFP)On Sunday, October 11, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) released squad for the upcoming ODIs against India. The Blackcaps named multiple squads to test their bench strength and shortlist best 15 players, who will travel for 2027 ODI World Cup.Following the squad announcement, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter opened up on the selection and dropped a bombshell on Finn Allen. Finn Allen to Bat in the middle orderFinn Allen, who has a nice partnership with Tim Seifert in the opening order, will bat in the middle-order for the India tour. Walter, speaking to the press, confirmed that the team has a new role and place decided for Allen, who will be placed in the middle-order for India ODIs.It's unlikely that Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will open together. "We've got sort of a different role in mind for Finn in the middle order. So we want to explore that as an option, obviously, given his capability to sort of influence the game." New Zealand head coach remarked.ALSO READNew Zealand To Wear Special Jersey During India ODI Series"In 50-over cricket, there's a space in the middle of the game to take on the spinners or the fifth or sixth bowler. So, yeah, we'll explore that with Finn. Obviously, we know he's destructive, and it is a little bit different in 50-over cricket,” he added.Decoding Finn Allen’s Numbers Outside Opening Finn Allen has played 22 ODIs and has amassed 582 runs, averaging 27.71, which includes five fifties. Interestingly, every innings that Allen has played has come when he has opened the innings for the Kiwis. Thus, it will be the first time in the fifty-over format that Allen will be promoted down the order in preparations for the ODI World Cup. Even in T20Is, Allen has played 62 matches and never batted down the order, even at no. 3, for that matter.However, interestingly, if we go back in time during Allen’s youth ODIs, then he used to bat down the order. During his earlier days, Allen batted at No.3, No.5 and No. 6. So if we look at his youth ODI data, Finn Allen has 663 runs in 17 innings, averaging 47.35.So comparing the two, Allen has better records batting down the order.ALSO READIndia vs West Indies Live Streaming, 3rd T20I Live Telecast- Where to Watch IND vs WI 2026 Live On TV, OTT, App?