The Blackcaps have suffered an injury blow before the upcoming series against West Indies.
The Caribbean 'Calypso Kings' will kick off the summer against New Zealand on Friday in the first of three Twenty20 internationals.
Two test matches will follow in Hamilton and Wellington, but Colin de Grandhomme has been ruled out with a right foot complaint.
De Gradhomme hasn't played since October, when he began experiencing issues while bowling for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield.
The all-rounder will be replaced by recent Canterbury recruit Daryl Mitchell, who played one test against England in November last year.
De Grandhomme has been a handy addition to the New Zealand test set-up since making his debut against Pakistan in 2016.
The 34-year-old has taken 47 wickets at an average of 31.63 runs and has a test century under his belt, averaging 37.03 runs in 24 tests.
Mitchell scored a combative 73 in his one and only test innings, but went wicketless in 12 overs.
Spinner Ajaz Patel’s left calf tear has improved, but not enough to be available for the first test, starting next Thursday in Hamilton, with Mitchell Santner drafted into the squad as spin cover.
"They both proved last summer in the tests against England what they can do in our conditions, with Mitch scoring a century and claiming three wickets at Bay Oval, while Daryl produced a polished half-century on debut at Seddon Park," Blackcaps coach Gary Stead says.
Santner will also lead the T20 side in game three against the Windies, after captain Tim Southee leaves to prepare for the test opener in Hamilton.
"It's a privilege to play for your country, let alone captain it, so I'm definitely very excited for the opportunity," Santner says.
"I've played a little bit of T20 cricket so far under a few different captains, so it's a great experience to be able to do this and put my little spin on it.
"T20 cricket is quite a fickle and challenging game, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Santner and Mitchell are both available for T20 game three at Bay Oval on Monday, before heading to Hamilton.
Join Newshub at 7pm Friday for live updates of the Blackcaps v West Indies T20
