IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson set to miss 1st Test, replacement named

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Kane Williamson will not participate in the first Test against India in Bengaluru due to a groin injury sustained during the Sri Lanka series.

Mark Chapman has replaced the New Zealand star for the Bengaluru encounter, which starts on October 16.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the Sri Lanka tour, with Michael Bracewell available only for the first Test before leaving for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will replace him for the second and third Test.

Tom Latham is set to captain the Black Caps in the upcoming series against India as Tim Southee relinquished captaincy after their 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka.

Black Caps selector Sam Wells expressed hope that Williamson might join later in the series, stating, "The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury."

As per the latest update, Williamson is expected to be part of the final two Tests, which will be played in Pune and Mumbai respectively

Williamson's injury provides an opportunity for Chapman, who may make his Test debut. Chapman has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand and six first-class matches for New Zealand A. His notable performances include a century against India A in 2020 and scores of 92 and 45 in a first-class match in Bengaluru in 2022.

Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath will accompany New Zealand to India as part of their coaching staff. Herath previously served as a spin-bowling coach consultant during their Sri Lanka tour.

New Zealand Squad for India Tests

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young