New Zealand has confirmed that Rachin Ravindra will miss the home T20I series against India after suffering a right shoulder dislocation during a promotional photoshoot. Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment regarding the injury, noting that while the team is eager for his return, they are prioritizing his long-term recovery to ensure he is fit for the upcoming summer. Ravindra is expected to undergo a six-week rehabilitation process, with the medical staff targeting a return for the ODI series starting on November 4.
As the squad prepares for the opening match on October 22, selectors have opted not to include Ben Sears, who continues to recover from an ankle injury. In his place, New Zealand has named a 16-player roster that features a core of 13 athletes from the team that reached the final of this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against India. Among the returning figures are Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne, both of whom had been sidelined earlier this season due to their own injury concerns.
Milne, who has not represented the national team since an outing against Zimbabwe more than a year ago, adds depth to a formidable bowling unit. He will join a pace attack that includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Nathan Smith. The full squad for the series includes Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, and Nathan Smith.
Coach Walter expressed optimism about facing the reigning T20 world champions on home soil, describing the upcoming series as an exciting challenge for his team. With high ticket demand and many matches expected to be sold-out, he emphasized that the squad is near full strength and ready to face the quality Indian side. Walter believes the collection of players provides the tactical flexibility needed to compete effectively in local conditions throughout the summer. The report also notes that “We’re gutted for Rachin,” said New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter. “He’s going to play a big role for us this summer so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs.
