New Delhi, 02 November (H.S.): New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against India, with key players Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra ruled out of the entire series due to injuries. Both players are continuing their rehabilitation but will not regain full fitness in time for the series, which begins in Auckland on November 4.

According to New Zealand Cricket, Chapman sustained a left hamstring injury while playing in the European T20 Premier League. A recent MRI scan revealed that he requires another two weeks of rehabilitation before being declared fully fit. Meanwhile, Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder in an accident during the filming of a promotional event. He too needs additional recovery time before returning to full competitive action.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the absence of the two players, describing them as important members of the side. He said Chapman was working hard to recover from his injury, while Ravindra’s shoulder had not yet recovered sufficiently for him to field comfortably at full intensity in white-ball cricket. With a Test series against India scheduled for later this month, the team does not want to take any unnecessary risks with his recovery.

Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who had initially been selected only for the final two ODIs, has now been included in the squad for all five matches. Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls has also been added for the opening three games, while all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the final two matches.

Fast bowler Matt Fisher, who was initially selected only for the last two ODIs, will also remain with the squad throughout the series as an additional bowling option. Meanwhile, Matt Henry, who missed the final three T20 matches due to a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps, will join the team on November 2. However, his availability for the opening ODI will be determined following a fitness assessment.

New Zealand squad for the first three ODIs:Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.

New Zealand squad for the final two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar