Rachin Ravindra's Shoulder Injury: What It Means for New Zealand's T20 Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

### Rachin Ravindra Sidelined with Shoulder Injury 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 significant blow for the Black Caps, as Ravindra has been a key player in their recent campaigns. According to New Zealand Cricket, he is expected to be out for around six weeks, with the aim of returning for the ODI series starting on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. Head coach Rob Walter expressed 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." The team will need to adjust their plans without him. ### New Zealand's 16-Man Squad for the T20 Series New Zealand has named an expanded 16-man squad led by captain Mitchell Santner 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 to reinforce the side after missing the T20 World Cup earlier this year due to injuries. The full squad is: 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, and Nathan Smith. Selectors have chosen 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. ### Bowling Attack Bolstered by Returning Pacers The pace attack looks strong with the return of Adam Milne, joining experienced campaigners Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy. Young pacers Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith complete the seam unit, giving the team plenty of options. Coach Walter explained that workload management was key in 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," he said. "We'll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads." ### Batting Lineup Features Firepower and Experience In the batting department, middle-order player Bevon Jacobs earns selection after an unbeaten 62 in his last T20 match against Bangladesh. The squad also includes proven international performers like Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen 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 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-finals, while Seifert hit 58 off 33 balls in a nine-wicket win. Seifert comes into the series after winning Player of the Tournament in The Hundred in England, where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 168. With Ravindra out, the team will rely on its depth and experience to challenge India. The series promises to be an exciting contest, and fans will be eager to see how the Black Caps perform. > "We're gutted for Rachin, but we're optimistic he'll be back for the ODIs." - Coach Rob Walter