Blow for New Zealand as Chapman and Ravindra Miss Entire India ODI Series

New Zealand’s build-up to the India ODI series has taken a heavy hit. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are both ruled out of the entire five-match contest, forcing the selectors into a quick reshuffle. Here is who is out, who is in, and why the hosts are choosing caution.

Two Key Batters Sidelined

The five-match series is set to begin at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, lost the first three matches of the recently concluded T20I series before winning the final two. They now want to carry that momentum into the ODIs, but without two important batting options.

Chapman Needs Two More Weeks

Mark Chapman suffered a left hamstring injury while playing in the European T20 Premier League in September. A recent MRI scan showed he needs another two weeks of rehabilitation to regain full fitness.

Ravindra’s Shoulder Still Not Ready

Rachin Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in September. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the all-rounder has not recovered enough to field at full capacity. With a Test series later this month, the management does not want to risk aggravating the injury.

Both players were also unavailable for the T20Is.

Rob Walter: ‘Everyone Knows What an Asset’ They Are

Head coach Rob Walter admitted the loss stings but backed the cautious approach.

“Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it’s a shame they have to miss this series,” said Walter. “With Rachin, his shoulder hasn’t quite recovered to a position where he could field comfortably in white-ball cricket, so with the Test series later this month we don’t want to take any undue risks.”

Walter added that Chapman is disappointed but working hard to get back on the field.

Who Comes In?

The selectors have made several changes to cover the gaps.

Seifert and Nicholls Earn Their Chances

Tim Seifert was first picked for only the final two ODIs. His 93 in the last T20I against India earned him a place for the whole series.

Henry Nicholls returns after scoring 119 while opening for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday. He turns 35 this month and has played 92 ODIs, including the tour of the West Indies in July.

Foxcroft and Fisher Add Depth

Dean Foxcroft joins for the last two matches after finishing red-ball duties with New Zealand A against India A. Matthew Fisher, initially picked for the last two ODIs, is now in for the full series as an extra bowling option.

Matt Henry Fitness Watch

Matt Henry joined the squad on Monday after missing the final three T20Is with a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps. He is named for the first three ODIs, but management will assess his fitness and match readiness before confirming his availability.

Updated Squads

First Three ODIs

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.

Last Two ODIs

Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.

What It Means for the Series

Losing two quality batters is never ideal, but the call is about protecting players for the bigger challenges ahead. For Seifert, Nicholls and Foxcroft, it is a golden chance to make a mark against a strong India side.

All eyes will be on how the reshaped batting order handles the pressure at Eden Park.