Rachin Ravindra Out for New Zealand vs India T20Is
New Zealand’s home summer will start without one of its brightest emerging stars. Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the T20I series against India after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot, a freak setback that slices a key all-round option out of Mitchell Santner’s plans.
The timing is brutal. India arrive as T20 world champions. New Zealand wanted their rising left-hander front and centre.
Head coach Rob Walter didn’t hide the disappointment. “We’re gutted for Rachin,” he said, underlining just how central the 24-year-old is to their plans. The medical view is clear: around six weeks of rehabilitation, with the focus on having him ready for the ODI series against India starting November 4. No shortcuts, no gambles.
Walter knows the bigger picture. “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,” he said. The message: sacrifice the here and now to protect the months ahead.
Sears sidelined, pace stocks still loaded
Ravindra is not the only absentee. Ben Sears, still working back from an ankle injury, was not considered as New Zealand named a 16-man squad for the T20Is beginning October 22. On paper, though, the fast-bowling depth still looks imposing.
Adam Milne, who last played international cricket for New Zealand against Zimbabwe more than a year ago, is back. His raw pace slots into a seam battery that already includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith. That’s a lot of speed, a lot of bounce, and plenty of variation for home conditions.
Thirteen players from the squad that finished runners-up to India at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup return. Michael Bracewell is among them, another key all-round option who had been sidelined with injury. The core remains intact; the dressing room will feel familiar.
Spin, power and experience
Mitchell Santner leads the side, the left-arm spinner again carrying captaincy duties alongside his role as a control-and-strike option in the middle overs. Around him, New Zealand have kept faith with their established white-ball engine room.
Finn Allen and Devon Conway headline the top-order options, with Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips forming the power base through the middle. Tim Seifert offers experience with the gloves and the bat, while Bracewell’s return deepens both the spin and batting resources.
Bevon Jacobs adds another fresh name to the mix, a reminder that even in a near full-strength squad, New Zealand are still looking for the next wave.
The named squad:
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- 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
- Nathan Smith
A summer stage, and a heavyweight opponent
Walter’s enthusiasm for the contest is obvious. “It’s going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway,” he said. India arrive with depth, form and a trophy, but New Zealand have their own reasons to be bullish.
“India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting. We hear most of the games are going to be sold-out and it should make for some incredible occasions.”
Full houses, fast decks, and a New Zealand side close to full strength: the ingredients are there. Walter summed it up succinctly: “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.”
Ravindra will watch this one from the sidelines, counting down six long weeks. If his rehab stays on track, his return for the ODIs could arrive just as the India tour hits its second act – and just when New Zealand might need a fresh spark.
