New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee T20I series against Australia after suffering a severe facial injury during training at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Ravindra collided with the boundary boards while fielding and sustained a deep cut around his upper lip and nose. Although he cleared initial concussion tests, the injury required extensive specialist stitching, forcing him to withdraw from the series.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at Ravindra’s absence but stressed that his health was the priority. “Rachin is an important player for us, but his wellbeing comes first. The decision was made to send him home to recover, with the aim of being fit for the England series in two weeks,” Walter said.
Ravindra has been in strong T20I form this year, with notable scores of 69, 30, 63 and 47 in his last five innings. His injury is another blow for New Zealand, who are already dealing with several absentees. Captain Mitchell Santner (abdominal injury), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) are all sidelined, while Kane Williamson is unavailable for the series.
Allrounder James Neesham has been recalled as Ravindra’s replacement. Neesham last featured for New Zealand during the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe in July, where he played one match. Top-order batter Tim Robinson is also being considered as a possible option for the starting XI in the first game.
The three-match series against Australia will be played over four days, providing little recovery time between games. With several first-choice players unavailable, New Zealand face a challenging task in the high-profile contest.
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