New Zealand’s all-rounder is expected to miss around six weeks, while Adam Milne returns to a strong pace-bowling group for the five-match series.
Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of New Zealand’s upcoming five-match T20I series against India after suffering a shoulder injury during a promotional shoot last week.
Ravindra is expected to spend around six weeks recovering, with New Zealand hopeful that he will return in time for the ODI series against India, which begins on November 4. The T20I series gets underway in Christchurch on October 22.
“We’re gutted for Rachin,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. “He’s going to play a big role for us this summer so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs.”
Jacobs Added to T20I Squad
With Ravindra unavailable, Bevon Jacobs has been added to the squad as a middle-order option.
Jacobs has played 11 T20Is for New Zealand and comes into the series after an unbeaten 62 against Bangladesh in his most recent international appearance.
His inclusion provides New Zealand with additional batting depth as they prepare to face the reigning T20 world champions.
Milne Returns to New Zealand T20I Setup
Adam Milne is also in line to make his first T20I appearance in more than a year.
He joins a deep group of fast bowlers that includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Ben Sears has not been considered as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Walter indicated that New Zealand intend to rotate their fast bowlers throughout the series as they manage workloads during a demanding international schedule.
“Our priority is winning games and putting the best team on the park, but we also have to keep in mind the volume of cricket in the coming months,” Walter said.
“We’re very fortunate with the depth that we’ve got to call upon, so we’ll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads.”
Allen and Seifert Reunited at the Top
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are set to reunite at the top of New Zealand’s batting order for the first time since the T20 World Cup.
Both players hold casual contracts with New Zealand Cricket and are scheduled to play in the Big Bash League later this year.
Their return means there is no place in the squad for Tim Robinson.
India Series Opens Busy Summer
New Zealand are looking forward to beginning their home summer against a formidable Indian side.
“It’s going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway,” Walter said.
“India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting.”
Walter added that strong ticket sales should create a lively atmosphere throughout the series.
“We’ve got a near full-strength squad that covers all bases and I’m excited to see how we compete against the current T20 world champions.”
The five-match T20I series will be followed by five ODIs and two Tests, before New Zealand travel to Australia for a four-Test series and later host Sri Lanka early next year.
New Zealand squad for T20Is vs India
Mitchell Santner (C), 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, Nathan Smith
