Rachin Ravindra Out: New Zealand's 16-Man Squad Revealed

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

New Zealand's summer of cricket just got a little more complicated. 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 last week. Yes, you read that right — a photo shoot. New Zealand Cricket has named an expanded 16-man squad led by captain Mitchell Santner for the series, which starts on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Fast bowler Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell both return to reinforce the Black Caps, while Ravindra is targeting a comeback for the ODI series beginning November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. ### Rachin Ravindra's Injury and Return Timeline Ravindra faces roughly a six-week spell on the sidelines. Medical staff expect him to complete his rehabilitation in time for the five-match ODI series, which kicks off on November 4. Head coach Rob Walter didn't hide his frustration when announcing the news. > "We're gutted for Rachin. 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 tough break for a player who's become a key part of New Zealand's middle order. The silver lining? Six weeks is manageable, and the ODI series is still very much in reach. ### Milne and Bracewell Make Their Return Both Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell missed the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year due to injury — the same tournament where New Zealand finished as runners-up to India. Their return adds serious depth to a squad that's clearly built to compete. In total, selectors picked 13 players from the team that reached the T20 World Cup final in March. However, ankle rehabilitation rules out pace bowler Ben Sears, while young batsman Tim Robinson was omitted. 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 ### A Pace Attack Built for the Long Haul Besides Milne, experienced pacemen Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy anchor the bowling group. Young pacers Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith complete the seam unit — seven seamers in total. Coach Walter explained that workload management played a central role in that decision. "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," Walter said. "We'll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads." In the batting lineup, middle-order player Bevon Jacobs earns selection after making an unbeaten 62 in his last T20 match against Bangladesh. The squad also includes proven international performers Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. ### Seifert and Allen Reunite at the Top Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen reunite at the top of the order for the first time since their T20 World Cup campaign. During that tournament, Allen smashed an unbeaten century off just 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-finals, while Seifert hit 58 off 33 balls in a nine-wicket win. Seifert enters the series after winning Player of the Tournament in The Hundred in England, where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 168. Both openers bring serious firepower to the top of the order. With Ravindra sidelined but a deep, experienced squad ready to go, New Zealand's T20 series against India should be a fascinating watch. The action starts October 22 at Hagley Oval.