New Zealand's Injury Woes: Key Duo Out of India ODI Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-02

New Zealand's preparations for the five-match ODI series against India have hit a snag. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra, two key players, have been ruled out due to injuries that need more time to heal. In their place, the selectors have brought in Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, and Dean Foxcroft. It's a tough blow for the Black Caps, but it opens up opportunities for others to step up. ### Injury Updates on Chapman and Ravindra Chapman's left hamstring is the issue here. An MRI scan revealed that he needs another two weeks of rehab. He tore the hamstring back in September while playing in the European T20 Premier League. That's a frustrating setback for a player who brings real firepower to the middle order. Ravindra, on the other hand, is dealing with a right shoulder problem. He hurt it during a promotional shoot in September, and it hasn't healed enough for him to field at full capacity. The team is also being cautious with his workload, especially with a Test series against India coming up later this month. No one wants to risk a more serious injury with such an important series on the horizon. Head coach Rob Walter shared the team's disappointment. "We're gutted to lose both players," he said. "Chapman is working hard to get back, and we had a good chat last week. With Ravindra, we just can't take any unnecessary risks with the Test series so close." It's a sensible approach, even if it stings in the short term. ### New Zealand Squad Changes for India ODIs Tim Seifert, who was originally only named for the last two ODIs, now finds himself in the squad for the entire series. That's a big vote of confidence for the wicketkeeper-batsman. Henry Nicholls, who turns 35 this month, comes in for the first three matches. He's in decent form, having scored 119 while opening the batting for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday. With 92 ODIs under his belt, his experience will be crucial. Dean Foxcroft, currently playing in the red-ball series between New Zealand A and India A, will link up with the squad for the final two games. He's a promising talent and will be eager to make an impression. Matthew Fisher was initially picked for just the last two games, but he's now included for the full series as an additional bowling option. Matt Henry, who was ruled out midway through the T20I series against India, joined the ODI squad on Monday. The team management will assess whether he's fit to play. It's a waiting game with Henry, but his experience would be a boost if he's available. ### New Zealand's Updated ODI Squad For the first three ODIs, the squad is: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, and Blair Tickner. For the last two ODIs, the squad includes: Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Duffy, Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Seifert (wicketkeeper), Tickner, and Young. The first ODI will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. India's squad has also seen changes, with Ishan Kishan set to serve as vice-captain for the fourth and fifth games once the Test players depart to join the red-ball group. It's all shaping up to be a fascinating series, even with the absentees. For more cricket news and updates, keep an eye on our blog. We'll bring you all the action and analysis as it happens.