New Zealand have suffered a significant setback ahead of their five-match ODI series against India, with key players Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman ruled out due to injuries. The two cricketers are continuing their recovery from shoulder and hamstring problems, respectively, forcing the team management to make changes to the squad.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Monday that Ravindra’s right shoulder has not recovered sufficiently for him to field at full capacity in white-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Chapman requires another two weeks of rehabilitation after an MRI scan revealed the extent of his left hamstring injury. The ODI series will begin on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland.

The second and third matches are scheduled to take place in Wellington and Hamilton, respectively, before the teams move to Tauranga for the final two encounters. The injury setbacks have also resulted in several changes to New Zealand’s squad. Tim Seifert, who was initially selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs, will now be available for the entire series. Henry Nicholls has been included for the opening three matches, while Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the final two ODIs.

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Nicholls earned his selection after producing an impressive performance in the Ford Trophy. He registered his 13th List A century, scoring 119 runs for Canterbury against Wellington Firebirds in his second match of the competition. Foxcroft, meanwhile, is expected to join the squad after completing New Zealand A’s red-ball series against India A.

There is also uncertainty surrounding fast bowler Matt Henry’s availability. The pacer will join the squad on Monday and undergo a fitness assessment after suffering a muscle tear during the T20I series against India. Matt Fisher, who was initially selected for the final two ODIs, will remain with the team throughout the series as additional bowling cover.

⚡️ Rachin Ravindra (shoulder) and Mark Chapman (hamstring) have been ruled out of the India ODIs as they require additional time to recover from their injuries https://t.co/SBMiAAYjCp

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 2, 2026

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over losing two important players but stressed that their long-term fitness remains the priority. “Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side, so it’s a shame they have to miss this series,” Walter said.

He further explained that Chapman was working hard towards his recovery, while Ravindra’s shoulder had not healed sufficiently to allow him to field comfortably. With a two-Test series against India scheduled later in November, New Zealand do not want to take unnecessary risks with the all-rounder’s fitness. Walter also welcomed the inclusion of Nicholls and Foxcroft, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute to the team.

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Ravindra’s injury reportedly occurred during a promotional shoot ahead of the India series, adding to New Zealand’s concerns about his availability for the upcoming assignments. Meanwhile, India will enter the ODI series with confidence after securing a 3-2 victory in the five-match T20I series. The Men in Blue will now look to carry that momentum into the 50-over format, while New Zealand will have to manage their injury concerns and squad adjustments. Bring the article closer to 450 wordsFix the remaining Matt Henry ambiguity

ODI Squad For 3 ODIs: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner

ODIs 4 & 5: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young