Two Black Caps Stars Out—Who Steps In for the India ODIs?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-02

New Zealand's ODI series against India just got a whole lot more interesting. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are both sidelined with injuries, forcing the Black Caps to shuffle their squad. It's a tough break for a team that was already facing a formidable opponent, but it also opens the door for some fresh faces to make their mark. ### What's the Injury Update on Chapman and Ravindra? Chapman's left hamstring is the issue here. An MRI revealed he needs at least two more weeks of rehab after tearing it at the European T20 Premier League back in September. That's a frustrating setback for a player who's been in decent form. Ravindra, meanwhile, is dealing with a right shoulder problem. He hurt it during a promotional shoot in September (yeah, off the field), and it hasn't healed enough for him to field at full capacity. With a Test series looming later this month, the team is being extra cautious. No unnecessary risks—smart move. Head coach Rob Walter didn't hide his disappointment. "We're gutted to lose both players," he said. "But Mark's working hard to get back, and with the Tests coming up, we can't afford to rush Ravindra." ### Who's Stepping Up? New Zealand has called in reinforcements: Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, and Dean Foxcroft. Seifert was originally only slated for the last two ODIs but now gets the full series. Nicholls, who turns 35 this month, comes in for the first three matches. And Foxcroft, currently playing red-ball cricket for New Zealand A, will join for the final two games. Nicholls is coming off a stellar 119 for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday—not bad timing, right? He's played 92 ODIs and was part of the West Indies tour in July. Experience matters. Matthew Fisher also gets a full-series call-up as an extra bowling option. Matt Henry, who was ruled out mid-T20I series, joined the squad on Monday. The team will assess his fitness before deciding if he can play. ### The Updated Squads For the first three ODIs, the squad is: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, and Blair Tickner. For the last two ODIs, the squad includes: Santner (c), Finn Allen, Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Duffy, Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Seifert (wk), Tickner, and Young. The first ODI is at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. India's squad has its own changes, with Ishan Kishan set to be vice-captain for the fourth and fifth games once the Test players leave. So, while it's a blow for New Zealand, it's a chance for others to shine. And let's be honest, a series against India is always must-watch cricket. Who knows? Maybe one of these replacements becomes the hero.