New Zealand have announced a 16-man squad for their five-match T20I series against India. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra misses out due to a shoulder injury.
The T20I series will begin on October 22 in New Zealand and mark the start of India’s long multi-format tour of the country. Ravindra is likely to be available for the ODI part of the series, subject to his recovery.
Ravindra damaged his right shoulder while attempting a diving catch in a promotional shoot in Auckland on September 16. Tests in the immediate aftermath cleared him of any major structural damage, but New Zealand Cricket said his return would depend on his rehabilitation.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said it was disappointing to lose Ravindra for the T20Is, but he was hopeful he would be available for the ODIs.
“We are heartbroken for Rachin. “He’s going to play a big role for us this summer,” Walter said, but stressed the importance of letting the all-rounder complete his rehabilitation properly.
Adam Milne returns after a year
Fast bowler Adam Milne is among the New Zealand side’s highlights. The seasoned pacer has been brought back into the T20I setup after more than a year away from the national team.
Milne’s return means another pace option for a squad that still has Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith.
Walter has spoken of New Zealand’s depth as a major asset during the series, with the coaches trying to manage player workloads across the five games.
“We’re very fortunate with the depth we’ve got to call on so we’ll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series,” Walter said.
Strong squad with Ravindra absent
New Zealand have kept a few of their key T20 players for the series against India.
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell will be part of a side led by Mitchell Santner. Tim Seifert is another wicketkeeping option, and Mark Chapman adds more batting depth.
The 16-member New Zealand squad is:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert and Nathan Smith.
India set for a lengthy New Zealand tour
The T20I series is the first of five matches and will start India’s 40-day tour of New Zealand. They will meet in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
The T20I leg starts on October 22, with the ODI series on the cards for November. The tour will end with two Tests, which will affect the current World Test Championship cycle.
The T20I series gives New Zealand a chance to test their depth against India, particularly with Ravindra missing and many of their fast bowlers on managed workloads in a packed international schedule.
New Zealand will look to make the most of home conditions as they take on the defending T20 world champions in the five-match series with an otherwise available near full-strength squad.