Christchurch, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New Zealand batter and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against India due to a shoulder injury, while experienced fast bowler Adam Milne has returned to the squad after more than a year.
New Zealand Cricket named a 16-member squad for the series on Tuesday, with captain Mitchell Santner leading a pace-heavy group featuring seven specialist fast bowlers. The series will be played across 11 days in four cities, beginning on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot last week and is expected to undergo around six weeks of rehabilitation. He is targeting a return for the three-match ODI series against India, which begins at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4.
Head coach Rob Walter said the team was disappointed by Ravindra’s injury but remained hopeful he would recover in time for the ODIs.
“We’re gutted for Rachin. 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,” Walter said.
Milne, 34, has 243 T20 appearances, including 56 at international level. He last represented the Black Caps against Zimbabwe more than a year ago.
His return strengthens an experienced pace attack featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, alongside younger fast bowlers Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Thirteen members of the New Zealand side that finished runners-up to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year have been selected. The group includes spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell and Milne, who both missed the tournament because of injuries.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will reunite at the top of the order for the first time since their successful T20 World Cup campaign, which included one of New Zealand’s most notable T20I run chases.
Fast bowler Ben Sears was not considered as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.
The opening match at Hagley Oval will be the first meeting between the two sides since the T20 World Cup final in March.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), 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.
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