New Zealand Faces Double Blow Ahead of ODI Series as Ravindra and Chapman Withdraw Due to Injuries

New Delhi, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : New Zealand cricket has suffered a significant setback ahead of the One Day International (ODI) series. Both Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have been ruled out due to injuries. Ravindra has not fully recovered from his injury, while Chapman is sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Both players were also absent from the recent five-match T20 series due to their injuries. Chapman sustained his left hamstring injury during the European T20 Premier League. According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, he requires an additional two weeks of rehabilitation to regain full fitness.

In a separate incident, Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot. New Zealand Cricket noted that he still needs more time to recover adequately before returning to the field.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the situation, stating, “Everyone knows how crucial Mark and Rachin are to this team, so it’s unfortunate they have to miss this series. I spoke with Mark last week; he is certainly disappointed but is working hard to return to the field. As for Rachin, his shoulder has not improved enough for him to field comfortably in white-ball cricket. We don’t want to take any unnecessary risks with the upcoming Test series at the end of the month.”

In response to these absences, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert has been called up for the first three ODIs. He was previously selected for the last two matches of the series. Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls and all-rounder Dean Foxcroft have also been included in the team. Nicholls will play in the first three ODIs, while Foxcroft will join for the final two matches.

Fast bowler Matt Fisher will now be part of the squad for the first three matches, having initially been selected only for the last two. Matt Henry is set to join the team on November 2, where his fitness will be assessed. He has been out for the last three T20 matches due to a low-grade tear in his right thigh muscles.

The squad for the first three ODIs includes: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, and Blair Tickner.

For the last two ODIs, the squad will be: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clark, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hey (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner, and Will Young.