Black Caps lose two star batters to injury ahead of India ODI series

The Black Caps have confirmed the loss of two key batters to injury before their five-match one-day series against India.

Rachin Ravindra is continuing to recover from a shoulder injury, while Mark Chapman is rehabilitating a hamstring issue.

Tim Seifert, initially pencilled in for games four and five, will now be in the squad for the full series. Henry Nicholls will join the squad for games one to three, with Dean Foxcroft replacing him for matches four and five.

A recent MRI scan showed Chapman’s left hamstring requires another two weeks of rehabilitation before he is fully fit to return to the field, while Ravindra’s right shoulder requires more recovery time before he’s able to field at full capacity.

Matt Henry assembles with the squad today and will be assessed on his readiness to play, while Matt Fisher, who was selected for One Day Internationals (ODIs) four and five, will remain with the squad for the full series as an additional bowling option.

Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said it was disappointing Chapman and Ravindra were ruled out.

“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.

Rachin Ravindra celebrates the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva with Daryl Mitchell in a Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at University Oval in Dunedin. Photo / Photosport

“I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed, he’s working hard to get back on the field.

“With Rachin, his shoulder hasn’t quite recovered to a position where he could field comfortably in white-ball cricket, so with the test series later this month we don’t want to take any undue risks.

“We’re pleased to bring in Henry, who is no stranger to this side, and Dean, who recently featured in the ODIs against the West Indies.”

Nicholls joins the squad following his 13th List-A hundred (119) during Canterbury’s second Ford Trophy match against the Wellington Firebirds, and Foxcroft will join at the conclusion of the New Zealand A red-ball series against India A.

Seifert hit 93 from 50 balls in the Black Caps’ win over India in the fifth T20 in Hamilton, backing up their victory at Eden Park.

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Newstalk ZB Sport.