Rachin Ravindra Out of India T20Is: New Zealand's Plan B Revealed

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

New Zealand's summer just got a lot more complicated. Star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra will miss the upcoming five-match T20 International series against India after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional photo shoot. Yes, you read that right—a photo shoot. Sometimes cricket throws you a googly when you least expect it. New Zealand Cricket has named an expanded 16-man squad, led by captain Mitchell Santner, for the series starting October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The series, branded as the Hero VIDA T20I series, powered by Ai+ Nova Smartphone, will be a stern test for the Black Caps without one of their brightest young talents. ### Rachin Ravindra's Injury and Return Timeline Ravindra faces about a six-week spell on the sidelines. The injury occurred last week during what should have been a routine media commitment. Medical staff are optimistic he'll be back for the five-match ODI series, which begins on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. Head coach Rob Walter didn't hide his frustration. "We're gutted for Rachin," he said. "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." It's a blow, no doubt, but the team is already planning how to cope without him. ### Milne and Bracewell Bolster the Squad Fast bowler Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell return to the fold. Both missed the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, where New Zealand finished as runners-up to India. Their experience will be crucial. Selectors have kept faith with 13 players from that World Cup final squad. However, ankle rehabilitation rules out pace bowler Ben Sears, and young batsman Tim Robinson misses out. Here's the full 16-man squad: - Mitchell Santner (Captain) - 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 ### Pace Attack and Workload Management With seven seam bowlers in the squad, coach Walter explained the thinking. "Our priority is winning games and putting the best team on the park, but we also have to keep in mind the volume of cricket in the coming months," he said. "We'll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads." Experienced campaigners Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy will lead the attack, with young guns Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith providing fresh energy. ### Seifert and Allen Reunite at the Top Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will reunite at the top of the order for the first time since the T20 World Cup. Remember Allen's unbeaten century off just 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-finals? And Seifert's 58 off 33 in a nine-wicket win? They're back together, and that's exciting. Seifert comes in red-hot after winning Player of the Tournament in The Hundred in England, where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 168. Both openers hold casual contracts, giving them flexibility, but their focus will be on giving New Zealand fast starts. ### What This Means for the Series Losing Ravindra is a setback, but this squad has depth. The return of Milne and Bracewell adds experience, and the batting lineup still boasts proven performers like Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. Bevon Jacobs earns his spot after an unbeaten 62 in his last T20 against Bangladesh. The five-match series against India will be a stern test, but the Black Caps are up for the challenge. With workload management in mind, expect to see all 16 players get a run at some point. For now, all eyes will be on Ravindra's recovery. If all goes well, he'll be back in black for the ODIs. Until then, New Zealand will have to dig deep without him.