The veteran Kiwi opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against India due to his back injury. He had aggravated the injury ahead of the fifth ODI of the series against New Zealand that was played on Sunday and as a result of it, he will now be missing the T20I series as well. It has been reported that he will be replaced by all-rounder James Neesham.

Informing the same, New Zealand’s coach, Gary Stead said, “Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this T20 series – which is very condensed with three games over five days. It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right. It’s great to have Jimmy coming into the side after some encouraging ODI performances. It promises to be an exciting series.”

The Blackcaps were hopeful of Guptill getting fit for the fifth ODI as they did not rule him out of the game and a final call on him was only taken on the morning of the match. Although, they had recalled Colin Munro for the final match.

WATCH – Bhuvneshwar Kumar Had The Last Laugh Against Guptill

Neesham played in the last two ODIs against India after proving his fitness. He scalped one wicket in the fourth ODI while in the fifth ODI, he grabbed a wicket and also contributed with an innings of 44 but his innings came to an end after MS Dhoni’s heroics, who caught him short of his crease while he was busy watching the ball after an LBW appeal.

The T20I series between India and New Zealand will commence on February 6, with Wellington hosting the first game. Auckland and Hamilton will host the last two T20Is. All the three T20Is will be double-headers with the women’s teams playing the evening matches prior to the men’s contests.

Incidentally, India’s men’s and women’s team had similar results as they both won the ODI series. Men in Blue defeated New Zealand in five-match ODI series 4-1 while Women in Blue handed a 2-1 defeat to hosts in three-match ODI series.