New Zealand have confirmed what had been feared since the injury was first reported last week. Rachin Ravindra will not feature in the five-match T20I series against India, his dislocated right shoulder requiring approximately six weeks of rehabilitation. The target is to have him fit for the ODI series against India that begins on November 4, giving him just enough time to recover if all goes to plan.
Head coach Rob Walter kept his message straightforward. “We’re gutted for Rachin. 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.” The phrasing was careful and deliberate. Optimism, not certainty.
Ben Sears, recovering from an ankle injury, was also unavailable for consideration as New Zealand named a 16-member squad for the series opening October 22 in Christchurch.
India vs New Zealand: What Rachin Ravindra’s Absence Means for New Zealand’s T20I Plans
Thirteen members of the squad that finished as runners-up to India at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have been recalled, including two notable returnees in Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne, both of whom had been sidelined with injuries. Milne’s return is particularly significant. The right-arm quick last played for New Zealand against Zimbabwe over a year ago and comes back into a pace attack that already carries considerable depth, joining Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Rachin Ravindra’s absence is real and felt, but Walter was keen to frame the squad in positive terms. “We’ve got a near full-strength squad that covers all bases and I’m excited to see how we compete against the current T20 world champions,” he said. He also spoke about the atmosphere New Zealand can expect across the five matches. “We hear most of the games are going to be sold-out and it should make for some incredible occasions.”
Mitchell Santner captains the side, with Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman among the experienced names in the batting lineup. The squad is well-balanced across departments and reflects a team that, despite losing the World Cup final to India earlier this year, came away from that tournament with considerable credit.
India arrive as defending champions and are expected to field a strong side for what shapes up as a genuinely competitive series. The venues spread across the country, from Hagley Oval in Christchurch to Eden Park in Auckland and Seddon Park in Hamilton, promise a proper summer send-off for New Zealand fans eager to see how their side measures up against the best T20 team in the world right now.
New Zealand vs India T20I series schedule:
- 1st T20I: October 22, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 2nd T20I: October 24, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 3rd T20I: October 27, Hnry Stadium, Wellington
- 4th T20I: October 30, Eden Park, Auckland
- 5th T20I: November 1, Seddon Park, Hamilton
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