India vs New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman Ruled Out of ODI Series; Nicholls Recalled

Ahead of the start of the ODI series, New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of their five-match ODI series against India, with key players Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra ruled out due to injuries. Both players have been given additional time to recover, with the team management unwilling to risk their fitness ahead of the upcoming Test series later this month.

An MRI scan revealed that Chapman's left hamstring requires another two weeks of rehabilitation, while Ravindra's right shoulder has not recovered sufficiently for him to resume full-intensity fielding.

Following their withdrawals, New Zealand have made several changes to their ODI squad. Tim Seifert, who was initially selected for only the final two matches, has now been included for the entire series. Experienced batter Henry Nicholls has also earned a recall and will be available for the first three ODIs.

Meanwhile, Dean Foxcroft, who is currently involved in the red-ball series between New Zealand A and India A, will join the senior squad for the final two matches.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the absence of Chapman and Ravindra but stressed that their long-term fitness remains the priority.
"Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side, so it's a shame they have to miss this series," Walter said. "I caught up with Mark last week and although he's disappointed, he's working hard to get back on the field."

Explaining Ravindra's situation, Walter said the all-rounder's shoulder injury could affect his ability to field comfortably in white-ball cricket.

"With Rachin, his shoulder hasn't quite recovered to a position where he could field comfortably in white-ball cricket, so with the Test series later this month we don't want to take any undue risks," he added.

Ravindra sustained his shoulder injury during a promotional shoot in September, while Chapman suffered a hamstring tear during the European T20 Premier League around the same time.

Henry Nicholls Earns Recall After Impressive Domestic Performance

Nicholls' inclusion comes after an impressive performance in the Ford Trophy. The experienced left-hander struck a century, scoring 119 while opening the batting for Canterbury against Wellington on Saturday.

The 34-year-old has represented New Zealand in 92 ODIs and was also part of the national side's tour of the West Indies in July.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Matt Henry has joined the ODI squad after being ruled out midway through the T20I series against India. His availability for the opening match will be assessed by the team management.

Matthew Fisher, who was initially selected only for the final two ODIs, has also been added to the squad for the entire series to provide another bowling option.
The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4.

New Zealand's Updated ODI Squad Against India

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

Last two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner, Will Young.