New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is set to miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against India after suffering a freak shoulder injury during an advertisement shoot in Auckland. Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder while attempting a diving catch during a promotional shoot with Sky earlier this week. The injury comes shortly before New Zealand are expected to announce their squad for the T20I series, which is scheduled to begin on October 22.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that initial assessments on Friday found no significant structural damage. However, the 25-year-old’s return-to-play timeline will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation over the next few weeks.
With the India series approaching, there is uncertainty over whether Ravindra will be fit enough to feature in any of the five T20Is. New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle explained that the injury occurred when the all-rounder landed awkwardly on a safety mat while attempting the catch.
“It was a really unfortunate injury. We are gutted for Rachin and our key priority is making sure he recovers well and gets back on the field as soon as he can. As with all commercial shoots involving our players, the activities were agreed in advance by all parties, with appropriate safety measures in place,” Mike Sandle said.
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Sandle described the incident as a freak accident and added that New Zealand Cricket would continue reviewing its processes surrounding commercial events involving players. “It was a bit of a freak accident and we will continue to review our processes around events like this in the future,” Sandle added.
*Rachin Ravindra dislocates shoulder during promo shoot, doubtful for India T20Is*#RachinRavindra #NewZealandCricket #IndiaVsNewZealandhttps://t.co/BXZF4TAKTu pic.twitter.com/pe2LZxyZlC
— Munsif Web Desk (@MunsifWebDesk) September 19, 2026
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter also stressed that Ravindra’s long-term fitness will take priority over rushing him back for the India series. The all-rounder has an important period ahead, with a busy Test schedule expected over the next six months.
“With a heavy schedule of Tests in the next six months, we don’t want to rush Rachin back sooner than we need to. He is in great hands in terms of his rehabilitation and we look forward to welcoming him back soon,” Rob Walter said.
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Ravindra was last seen in action during The Hundred last month, representing Welsh Fire. The franchise finished fifth among the eight teams in the competition.
His absence would be a setback for New Zealand ahead of their T20I assignment against India, although the Blackcaps are expected to closely monitor his rehabilitation before making a final decision on his availability.
