New Zealand has suffered a major setback ahead of its five-match ODI series against India, with Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra ruled out with injuries. Both players are continuing their rehabilitation and have not recovered sufficiently to participate in the upcoming contest.
The India-New Zealand ODI series begins on November 4 in Auckland, with the remaining matches scheduled across Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed the absence of two key players on Monday, November 2, and announced squad changes for the series.
Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out of India ODIs
Mark Chapman is recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained during his stint in the European T20 Premier League. A recent MRI scan indicated that his hamstring requires approximately two more weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to full fitness.
Rachin Ravindra, meanwhile, is recovering from a right shoulder injury. The all-rounder dislocated his shoulder during a promotional shoot and requires additional recovery time before he can field comfortably in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand have decided against taking unnecessary risks with Ravindra's fitness, particularly with the two-match Test series against India scheduled later this month.
Rob Walter Explains New Zealand's Injury Decisions
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the absence of Chapman and Ravindra but stressed the importance of protecting their long-term fitness.
"Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side, so it's a shame they have to miss this series," Walter said.
Speaking about Chapman's recovery, Walter explained that the batter was disappointed but working hard to return to the field.
Regarding Ravindra, the coach said his shoulder had not recovered sufficiently for him to field comfortably in white-ball cricket.
With the Test series approaching, New Zealand do not want to expose either player to unnecessary injury risks.
Henry Nicholls, Dean Foxcroft and Tim Seifert Included
New Zealand have made several changes to their ODI squads following the injuries.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who was initially selected only for the fourth and fifth ODIs, will now be available for all five matches.
Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls has been included for the first three ODIs, while all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the final two matches.
Nicholls earned his selection after scoring his 13th List A century, a 119-run innings for Canterbury against Wellington in the Ford Trophy.
Matt Fisher has also been retained for the entire series after initially being selected only for the final two matches.
Matt Henry's Fitness Remains Under Assessment
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is another player whose fitness will be monitored ahead of the opening ODI.
Henry missed the final three T20Is against India because of a minor injury to his right quadriceps. He is scheduled to join the squad on November 2, after which the team management will assess his readiness to play.
His availability could be important for New Zealand's bowling attack, particularly with the team already missing several key players.
New Zealand Squad for First Three ODIs Against India
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 and Blair Tickner.
New Zealand Squad for Fourth and Fifth ODIs
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule
The five-match ODI series will begin in Auckland on November 4.
First ODI: November 4 – Auckland
Second ODI: November 7 – Wellington
Third ODI: November 10 – Hamilton
Fourth ODI: November 13 – Mount Maunganui
Fifth ODI: November 15 – Mount Maunganui
New Zealand will look to make the most of their squad depth as they prepare to face India in the ODI series. The absence of Chapman and Ravindra presents a significant challenge, while the fitness of Matt Henry could further influence the team's plans for the opening match.
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