Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke, and Jacob Duffy have received their first New Zealand central contracts, with left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel also returning to the list.

Fast bowler Adam Milne has declined a contract, joining Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson in doing so, while Blair Tickner has been dropped from the list of 20 players.

Ravindra was a standout performer at the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring 578 runs, and later made his maiden Test century against South Africa in Mount Maunganui, converting it into a score of 240. In March, he became the youngest recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, awarded to the New Zealand men's player of the year.

"Growing up you'd see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day - and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment," Ravindra said. "It's been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I've learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the Blackcaps."

Pace bowlers Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke made impressive Test debuts last season. O'Rourke claimed nine wickets against South Africa in Hamilton, while Sears took 4 for 90 in the fourth innings against Australia in Christchurch. Sears also became a regular member of the T20I side, and O'Rourke debuted in both white-ball formats. 

"It's especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin and Will to receive their first contract offers, and well deserved following their hard work and performances," New Zealand selector Sam Wells said. "These younger guys are the future of the team and it's been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage."

New Zealand central contracts 2024-25

Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young