[NEW ZEALAND T20I SQUAD REFORMS: RATCHIN OUT, MILNE BACK]
Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot, while Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell return to the squad after injury setbacks.
Ravindra is expected to spend around six weeks rehabilitating the injury, with New Zealand targeting his return for the ODI series against India beginning November 4.
“We’re gutted for Rachin,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. “He’s going to play a big role for us this summer so it’s important that he doesn’t rush his rehab, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back for the ODIs.”
Milne returns after a year out
Milne returns to the New Zealand T20I squad after more than a year away from international cricket. His last appearance came against Zimbabwe.
The 16-member squad gives New Zealand considerable pace depth, with Milne joining Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.
Bracewell is another significant addition after missing New Zealand’s T20 World Cup campaign through injury.
Thirteen members of the squad were part of the New Zealand side that finished runners-up to India at this year’s T20 World Cup, where India secured their third title with a 96-run victory in the final.
Ben Sears remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
New Zealand target India series with near full-strength squad
Walter said New Zealand had prioritised selecting their strongest available squad while also keeping the heavy workload of the coming months in mind.
“Our priority is winning games and putting the best team on the park, but we also have to keep in mind the volume of cricket in the coming months,” Walter said.
“We’re very fortunate with the depth that we’ve got to call upon, so we’ll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads.”
The series begins in Christchurch on October 22, with the second T20I also taking place at Hagley Oval two days later. Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton will host the remaining three matches.
New Zealand squad
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith.
### India vs New Zealand T20I schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
| ——– | ———- | ————————- |
| 1st T20I | October 22 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | October 24 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 3rd T20I | October 27 | Henry Stadium, Wellington |
| 4th T20I | October 30 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 5th T20I | November 1 | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
The T20I series is the first leg of New Zealand’s multi-format home assignment against India, with five ODIs and two Tests also scheduled later in the tour.
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