New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against India, with key batters Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman ruled out due to injuries.
The Black Caps confirmed that both players require additional recovery time and will not be available for the series, which begins on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
Chapman is recovering from a left hamstring injury, while Ravindra continues to struggle with a right shoulder problem that has affected his ability to field.
Providing an update on their fitness, New Zealand Cricket said, “A recent MRI showed Chapman’s left hamstring requires another two weeks of rehabilitation before he is fully fit to return to the field, whilst Ravindra’s right shoulder requires more recovery time before he’s able to field at full capacity.”
Their absence has forced New Zealand to make several changes to their squad as they prepare to face an Indian side coming off a closely contested T20 series.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, initially selected only for the fourth and fifth ODIs, will now remain with the squad throughout the five-match series.
Henry Nicholls has been drafted in for the opening three matches, while Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the final two encounters.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Matt Henry remains a fitness concern after sustaining a muscle tear during the recently concluded T20 series against India.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Henry would join the squad on Monday, when his availability would be evaluated.
“Seamer Matt Henry, who suffered a muscle tear during the T20 series against India, will join the squad on Monday and be assessed on his readiness to play,” the governing body stated.
India enter the ODI series with confidence after securing a 3-2 victory in the five-match T20 series against the hosts.
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the upcoming ODI matches, with the hosts hoping to overcome their injury concerns and bounce back against the visiting Men in Blue.
The squad for the first three matches includes Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner, alongside the newly included players.
For the final two ODIs, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Nick Kelly and Mitch Hay are among those included in the revised squad.
Following the ODI series, New Zealand and India are also scheduled to compete in a two-match Test series.
With Ravindra and Chapman unavailable, the Black Caps will rely on their squad depth to challenge India in the upcoming 50-over contests.
