CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
New Zealand have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their five-match ODI series against India, with Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra ruled out as they continue their recovery from separate injuries.
The series is scheduled to begin in Auckland on November 4. Neither player has recovered sufficiently after missing the T20I leg, which New Zealand lost 3-2.
Chapman Needs Two More Weeks of Rehabilitation
Chapman sustained a left hamstring injury during his stint at the European T20 Premier League.
Following a recent MRI scan, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the batter requires an additional two weeks of rehabilitation before he can regain full fitness.
His absence means New Zealand will be without one of their experienced batting options throughout the ODI series.
Ravindra Recovering from Shoulder Dislocation
Rachin Ravindra suffered a dislocated right shoulder during an unexpected incident at a promotional shoot.
The all-rounder is still recovering and has not yet reached the stage where he can field comfortably in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team did not want to take unnecessary risks with Ravindra, particularly with a Test series scheduled for later in November.
Walter described both Chapman and Ravindra as valuable members of the side and said their absence was disappointing. However, he added that both players were working hard to return to action.
Seifert and Nicholls Added to the Squad
New Zealand have made several changes to their squad following the injuries.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been called up for the first three ODIs after initially being named only for the final two matches.
Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls has also been added to the squad for the opening three games, while all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will join the team for the final two matches.
Fast bowler Matt Fisher, who was initially selected for the last two ODIs, has been made available for the first three matches as well.
Matt Henry’s Availability Yet to Be Confirmed
Fast bowler Matt Henry is another player whose fitness remains under assessment.
He missed New Zealand’s final three T20Is against India after suffering a low-grade tear in his right quadricep.
Henry is expected to join the squad on November 2. His availability for the ODI series will be assessed after the team reviews his fitness.
New Zealand Squads for the India ODI Series
First three ODIs:
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.
Final two ODIs:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.
New Zealand Face a Selection Challenge
Losing Chapman and Ravindra ahead of a five-match series is a significant setback for New Zealand. Their absence creates opportunities for other players, while the team will also be monitoring Matt Henry’s recovery.
With the opening ODI approaching, New Zealand will need its revised squad to adapt quickly against India. .
Source: Cricbuzz
Published by: CricBengal.com
