New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India after suffering a shoulder injury during a promotional shoot. The setback comes as a blow to the Black Caps, although the team management remains hopeful that Ravindra will recover in time for the ODI series.
Ravindra is expected to need around six weeks to recover from the injury. The T20I series against India begins in Christchurch on October 22, while the three-match ODI series is scheduled to start on November 4. New Zealand are optimistic that the allrounder will be fit to return for the 50-over fixtures.
Ravindra suffered the injury after landing awkwardly during the promotional shoot, making it an unusual setback for the 25-year-old. “We are gutted for Rachin. He is going to play a big role for us this summer, so he must not rush his rehabilitation, but we are optimistic he will be back for the ODIs,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.
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In Ravindra’s absence, middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs has been included as an option. Jacobs has played 11 T20Is for New Zealand and comes into the squad after scoring an unbeaten 62 in his most recent appearance against Bangladesh.
New Zealand announce T20I squad for home series against India; Rachin Ravindra OUT, Adam Milne IN https://t.co/KSqVxJm107
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Fast bowler Adam Milne is also in contention to make his first T20I appearance in more than a year. He joins a strong pace group featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith. Ben Sears was not considered as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
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Walter also highlighted the importance of managing workloads during a packed international schedule. New Zealand will tour Australia for four Tests after the India series before hosting Sri Lanka early next year. “We are very fortunate with the depth that we have got to call upon, so we will look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads,” Walter added.
