Rachin Ravindra Out: How New Zealand's 16-Man Squad Shifts for India T20 Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

### Rachin Ravindra Out: How New Zealand's 16-Man Squad Shifts for India T20 Series Imagine gearing up for a massive five-match T20 International series against India, only to dislocate your shoulder during a promotional photo shoot. That's exactly what happened to New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. He'll miss the entire T20I series, which kicks off on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand Cricket has named an expanded 16-man squad, captained by Mitchell Santner, to fill the gap. Fast bowler Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell are back to bolster the Black Caps. Meanwhile, Ravindra is targeting a return for the ODI series starting November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. It's a tough blow, but the team is rallying. ### Rachin Ravindra's Injury and Return Timeline Ravindra faces about six weeks on the sidelines after dislocating his right shoulder during a media shoot last week. Medical staff are optimistic he'll be ready for the five-match ODI series beginning November 4. "We're gutted for Rachin," head coach Rob Walter 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." That's the kind of setback that tests a squad's depth. But New Zealand has options. ### Milne and Bracewell Return to the Squad Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell are back after missing the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year due to injury. New Zealand finished as runners-up to India in that tournament, so their return adds serious firepower. Selectors kept 13 players from the T20 World Cup final squad, but ankle rehabilitation rules out pace bowler Ben Sears, and 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 ### Experienced Pace Attack Leads Black Caps Charge With Milne back, the pace attack looks formidable. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy bring plenty of experience. Youngsters Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith round out the seam unit. Coach Walter explained that workload management was key to selecting seven seam bowlers. "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 department, middle-order player Bevon Jacobs earns his spot after an unbeaten 62 in his last T20 against Bangladesh. Proven internationals Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips add stability. ### Seifert and Allen Reunite at Top of Order Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are back together at the top for the first time since the T20 World Cup. Allen smashed an unbeaten century off 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-finals, while Seifert hit 58 off 33 balls in a nine-wicket win. Seifert comes in hot after winning Player of the Tournament in The Hundred in England, scoring 394 runs at a strike rate of 168. Both openers hold casual contracts, and their form could be the difference-maker against a strong Indian side. ### What This Means for the Series Losing Ravindra hurts, no doubt. But New Zealand's depth is impressive. The return of Milne and Bracewell, combined with a potent pace attack and explosive openers, gives the Black Caps a real shot. The five-match T20I series starts October 22 at Hagley Oval, and all eyes will be on how this reshuffled squad handles the pressure. For Ravindra, the focus is on rehab and a return for the ODIs on November 4. It's a long summer, and New Zealand will need every bit of that depth.