New Zealand has an injury concern ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra in doubt of his participation after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed the injury with Ravindra having hurt himself when he was diving to catch during the team's filming with Sky last week. The injury has raised questions over whether the 26-year-old will recover in time for New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India, which starts on October 22.
The initial medical assessments were conducted on Friday, September 18. New Zealand Cricket said there were no major structural issues. Ravindra’s return to competitive cricket will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation in the coming weeks.
Ravindra's India series status is unclear
The injury comes at an inconvenient time for New Zealand, as the Blackcaps are preparing for a long home summer of home games against India. The first T20I is expected in Christchurch on October 22, with the next match in Christchurch on October 24, Wellington on October 27, Auckland on October 30, and Hamilton on November 1.
New Zealand are expected to announce their squad for the series next week and Mitchell Santner is tipped to lead the team. Ravindra will therefore be closely watched by selectors as they make their picks for the series.
New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle said Ravindra fell awkwardly on a safety mat while trying to complete the catch during the commercial shoot. He said it was very unfortunate and he said the player’s recovery is the team’s priority now.
Sandle also said the commercial shoot had been agreed in advance and that safety measures were put in place. Ravindra’s injury was a “freak accident,” he said later and that New Zealand Cricket would review how it handles such incidents.
New Zealand Focus on Long-Term Fitness.
While the T20I series against India is an important part of New Zealand’s international calendar, the team management is also conscious of Ravindra’s workload over the longer term.
As coach Rob Walter said, New Zealand do not want to rush the all-rounder back before he's ready. Ravindra's full recovery is a top priority for the Blackcaps with a packed Test schedule.
Walter said Ravindra is receiving rehabilitation support and that the team is looking forward to seeing him return to the field. New Zealand will attempt to work on his recovery at the same time as not making his shoulder injury worse.
The India tour is part of a big home summer for New Zealand. The two teams will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches. The 12-match itinerary is a big deal for the Blackcaps and could put enormous pressure on players who will take part in formats.
Ravindra's T20I Numbers
Ravindra has established himself in New Zealand’s limited overs team. He has played 52 T20Is for Blackcaps and scored 759 runs with a highest score of 69. His ability to contribute with bat and ball is an asset for New Zealand team.
Ravindra has taken 26 wickets in T20Is, including career-best figures of 4/27. His all-round ability provides New Zealand another option in the middle order and with the ball, and his fitness is especially important ahead of a five-match series.
Ravindra has also featured in the Indian Premier League. He has been with Chennai Super Kings, and also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the IPL 2026 season. But he did not make an appearance for KKR during that year.
For now, New Zealand will wait for Ravindra’s rehabilitation to see if he can return to competitive cricket. The October 22 start of the India series gives the all-rounder several weeks to recover but his participation cannot be confirmed.
The Blackcaps will continue to monitor his progress and will continue to assess his fitness and decide until then before making a final decision. New Zealand will focus on Ravindra’s recovery from a healthy international schedule of a busy international side and not jeopardizing his shoulder, ensuring he will be able to get back to full fitness when and if he is able to recover from his shoulder.
