New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the upcoming multi-format series against India as he continues his recovery from calf and hamstring injuries sustained during the tour of England a few months ago. New Zealand Cricket has deemed O’Rourke unavailable for selection for the home series, with the pacer now focused on regaining full fitness ahead of the crucial four-Test tour of Australia.
The series begins on December 9 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, making his recovery a priority for the Black Caps. O’Rourke has endured a difficult period with injuries. He spent seven months on the sidelines after suffering a back stress fracture in August 2025 and returned to action in April. The 25-year-old subsequently featured against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England before suffering further setbacks with his calf and hamstring.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the pacer’s absence, particularly given the importance of the home series against India. “It is obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” Walter said. He added that O’Rourke had been expected to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but discussions with the player led to a decision to allow him more time to recover.
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Walter stressed that the team management wanted O’Rourke to rehabilitate both injuries properly and gradually increase his bowling workload before returning to competitive cricket.
भारतीय टीम के दौरे से पहले न्यूजीलैंड को लगा तगड़ा झटका, वनडे-टेस्ट सीरीज से बाहर हुआ मैच विनिंग खिलाड़ी
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— India TV (@indiatvnews) October 10, 2026
“Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we are taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he is fully fit before he takes the field again,” the New Zealand coach added.
O’Rourke’s absence will be a setback for New Zealand, considering his impressive performance during their historic 3-0 Test series victory in India in 2024. The right-arm pacer claimed seven wickets across three matches at an average of 18.42, troubling Indian batters even on spin-friendly pitches.
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New Zealand have also suffered other injury setbacks ahead of the multi-format series. Star batter Rachin Ravindra is set to miss the T20I leg after dislocating his shoulder in an unusual accident during a commercial shoot, adding to the team’s selection concerns.
