Rachin Ravindra Injury Update: New Zealand All-Rounder Doubtful For India T20I Series After Shoulder Dislocation During Promotional Shoot

2

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a promotional shoot, putting his participation in next month’s T20I series against India in doubt.

Ravindra sustained the injury in Auckland on Wednesday while filming a diving catch during a commercial shoot with Sky, New Zealand Cricket said on Saturday.

Initial assessments by medical specialists have ruled out major structural damage, but Ravindra’s return-to-play timeline will depend on his progress during the early stages of his rehabilitation.

“We are gutted for Rachin,” New Zealand performance manager Mike Sandle said.

He added that the activities during commercial shoots involving New Zealand players are agreed in advance and carried out with appropriate safety measures, describing Ravindra’s injury as a “freak accident.”

Rachin Ravindra Injury: India Series In Doubt

The 26-year-old has established himself as an important part of New Zealand’s all-format side, having played 115 international matches as a batter and left-arm finger-spinner.

Ravindra was New Zealand’s leading run-scorer at the 2023 ODI World Cup and their highest wicket-taker at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where the Black Caps reached the final.

His potential absence would therefore be a concern for New Zealand ahead of their lengthy home series against India.

New Zealand vs India 2026 Series Schedule

India are scheduled to play 12 matches during their tour of New Zealand, making it the largest international tour in New Zealand Cricket history by the number of matches.

The tour begins with five T20Is, starting on October 22 in Christchurch. The second T20I will also be played in Christchurch on October 24, followed by matches in Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton on October 27, 30 and November 1 respectively.

The T20I series will be followed by five ODIs from November 4 to 15. India will then play two Tests, with the first scheduled in Wellington from November 19-23 and the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

The Test leg will also mark India’s first Test tour of New Zealand since 2019, while their last white-ball assignment in the country came in 2022.

Ravindra’s rehabilitation in the coming weeks will determine whether he can recover in time to feature in the opening T20I or any part of the 12-match series.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Click here to read article