Ravindra Out, But New Zealand's 16-Man Squad Has a Secret Weapon

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

Rachin Ravindra won't be suiting up for New Zealand's five-match T20 International series against India. The all-rounder dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional photo shoot last week, and just like that, his summer plans took a detour. 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. It's a roster that mixes experience with fresh faces, and while Ravindra's absence stings, the Black Caps aren't short on firepower. ### What Happened to Rachin Ravindra? Ravindra faces about six weeks on the sidelines. The injury occurred during a media event, of all places, and head coach Rob Walter didn't hide his frustration. "We're gutted for Rachin," 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." The target is the five-match ODI series beginning November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. If all goes well, Ravindra will be back in black caps before the month is out. ### Milne and Bracewell Bolster the Squad Fast bowler Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell return 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 having these two back is a significant boost. Selectors kept 13 players from the World Cup final squad, but ankle rehab rules out pace bowler Ben Sears, and young batsman Tim Robinson didn't make the cut. ### 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 Anchors the Charge With Milne back, the bowling group features seasoned campaigners Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy. Youngsters Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith round out the seam unit. Coach Walter explained that workload management drove the decision to carry seven seamers. "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." ### Seifert and Allen Reunite at the Top Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are back together for the first time since the T20 World Cup. Allen famously smashed an unbeaten century off 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-finals, while Seifert hit 58 off 33 in a nine-wicket win. Seifert arrives in red-hot form 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 central contracts and will be key to New Zealand's chances. ### What's Next for the Black Caps? The T20 series kicks off on October 22 at Hagley Oval, with all five matches scheduled across New Zealand. The ODI series follows, starting November 4 at Eden Park. Ravindra's recovery will be closely monitored, but the squad's depth means New Zealand won't be caught short. For now, the focus is on India, and with a blend of youth and experience, the Black Caps are ready to put on a show.