Rachin Ravindra Out: What New Zealand's 16-Man Squad Means for India Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

### The Big Blow: Ravindra Sidelined All-rounder Rachin Ravindra will miss New Zealand's upcoming five-match T20 International series against India after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional photo shoot. The injury is a tough break for the Black Caps, as Ravindra has been a key player in all formats. He's expected to be out for around six weeks, targeting a return for the ODI series starting November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. Head coach Rob Walter didn't hide his disappointment: "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." That pretty much sums up how the team feels—frustrated but hopeful. ### Milne and Bracewell Bolster Squad New Zealand has named a 16-man squad for the T20 series, which begins on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Fast bowler Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell return after missing the T20 World Cup earlier this year due to injuries. Their experience will be crucial against a strong Indian side. Selectors have kept faith with 13 players from the World Cup squad that finished as runners-up to India in March. However, pace bowler Ben Sears is still recovering from ankle rehab, and young batsman Tim Robinson was omitted. ### Full 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 that managing workloads is a priority. "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." That approach makes sense. The international calendar is packed, and burnout is real. Expect to see rotations, especially in the fast-bowling department. ### 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. 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 comes into this series in red-hot form, having won Player of the Tournament in The Hundred in England, where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 168. That's impressive, and New Zealand fans will be hoping he can carry that momentum into the international arena. ### What This Means for the Series Losing Ravindra is a setback, but the return of Milne and Bracewell adds depth. The batting lineup still looks strong with the likes of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. And with Seifert and Allen at the top, the Black Caps have the firepower to challenge India. The series starts on October 22, and all eyes will be on how New Zealand copes without their star all-rounder. Can they step up? We'll find out soon enough.