Big blow for New Zealand! Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra to miss ODI series against India

In a major setback ahead of their upcoming high-stakes One-Day International series against India, New Zealand have lost key batting mainstays Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra to injuries. Both players have been officially ruled out of the entire five-match series, forcing the national selectors to implement a reshuffle across their squad.  

Chapman has been sidelined after aggravating a hamstring injury, which medical assessments revealed will keep him out of competitive action for at least two more weeks. The left-hander had emerged as an anchor in New Zealand’s middle order in recent white-ball outings, making his absence a notable gap to plug against India’s potent spin and seam attacks.  

On the other hand, Ravindra continues to manage a nagging shoulder issue. The all-rounder was withheld from the ODI assignment to avoid aggravating the condition, with team management prioritizing his full recovery and readiness for the upcoming red-ball fixtures.  

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New Zealand Cricket Name Replacements

In response to the double injury blow, New Zealand Cricket announced immediate reinforcements.

Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, originally slated to feature only in the final two ODIs, has now been drafted in for all five matches. Experienced middle-order batter Henry Nicholls steps into the squad for the opening three games, offering solid left-handed stability.

For the concluding two fixtures, batting all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will join the camp, while young pacer Matt Fisher has also earned a call-up to bolster bowling options.  

Kiwi Coach Reacts To Chapman, Ravindra's Unavailability

New Zealand coach Rob Walter said it was a big loss to lose Chapman and Ravindra, but still feels his side is well placed to cope in their absence.

"Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it’s a shame they have to miss this series.

I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed he’s working hard to get back on the field. 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," said Walter.

"We’re pleased to bring in Henry who is no stranger to this side, and Dean who recently featured in the ODIs against the West Indies

I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed he’s working hard to get back on the field," he added.  

New Zealand ODI squad

(Games 1-3): Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner

(Games 4 and 5): Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, Will Young

IND vs ODI Series Schedule

First ODI: November 4, Auckland

Second ODI: November 7, Wellington

Third ODI: November 10, Hamilton

Fourth ODI: November 13, Mount Maunganui

Fifth ODI: November 15, Mount Maunganui