New Zealand has suffered a major blow ahead of their five-match One Day International (ODI) series against India. Both Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra have been ruled out of the series due to injuries. The series is set to begin on November 4 in Auckland, with further matches to be played in Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui.
Mark Chapman sustained an injury to his left hamstring while playing in the European T20 Premier League. Following an MRI scan, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the middle-order batter requires a few more weeks of rehabilitation to attain full match fitness, forcing him to withdraw from the bilateral series.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder during a promotional shoot. Although he is making steady progress in his recovery, the medical staff believes he is not yet fit enough to perform tasks like throwing or fielding at the intensity required for white-ball cricket. With an important Test series scheduled for later this month, the team management has decided against taking any risks that could aggravate his injury.
“Everyone knows how important Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are to this team” – Rob Walter
New Zealand Head Coach Rob Walter stated, “I spoke with Mark last week. He is disappointed, but he is working hard toward his return to the field. As for Rachin, his shoulder has not yet recovered sufficiently for him to field comfortably in white-ball cricket. Therefore, with the Test series coming up later this month, we do not want to take any unnecessary risks.” Walter added, “Everyone knows how important Mark and Rachin are to this team, so it is a pity that they have to miss this series.”
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To strengthen the squad, New Zealand has brought in Dean Foxcroft, along with experienced top-order batter Henry Nicholls and wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, for the series.
New Zealand’s full squad for the ODI series against India:
ODIs 1–3: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner.
ODIs 4–5: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clark, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Pooja covers IPL matches, player performances, and exciting moments. She brings the latest news, insights, and analysis from the world of IPL cricket.
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