NZ vs IND: New Zealand Face Double Injury Setback Before T20I Series Against India

New Zealand Face Double Injury Setback Ahead of India T20I Series; Two Players Called Up

New Zealand have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out due to separate injuries. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Friday that the two players would miss the upcoming series after Chapman injured his left hamstring and Foulkes sustained a right hip flexor injury.

Chapman picked up the hamstring injury while playing in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The setback has ruled him out of the T20I series, although he is expected to recover in time for New Zealand’s subsequent five-match ODI series.

Foulkes, meanwhile, suffered a right hip flexor injury during a training session with Canterbury. His recovery period has not yet been established, leaving his return to competitive cricket uncertain.

Following the injuries, New Zealand have included all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner in the squad as replacements. Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the absence of Chapman and Foulkes but welcomed the opportunity to bring Clarkson and Tickner into the setup.

“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said.

“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”

The T20I series is scheduled to begin on October 22, with both teams preparing for another competitive encounter after their meeting in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. India emerged victorious in that final and will look to continue their strong run against the Black Caps.

Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the five-match series. The squad includes experienced players such as Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson, alongside opening batters Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.

The T20I fixtures will be staged in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The series will form part of a longer tour featuring five ODIs and two Test matches, keeping both teams engaged across multiple formats.

New Zealand Squad for India T20I Series

Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner.