Chapman and Rachin Ruled Out of ODI Series Against India

New Zealand all-rounders Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra have been ruled out of the upcoming five-match ODI series against India due to injury concerns. According to MRI scan results, Chapman will need at least another two weeks to recover from a left hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra, who sustained an injury during a promotional shoot in September, has yet to recover sufficiently from his right shoulder injury to field at full intensity.

With a Test series against India scheduled for later this month, the New Zealand team management is unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with Rachin’s fitness. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described the absence of the two key players as a significant blow to the team.

Following the withdrawal of the two stars, New Zealand have made major changes to their ODI squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who was initially included only for the final two matches, has now been added to the squad for the entire five-match series.

In addition, experienced batter Henry Nicholls has been called up for the first three ODIs. To strengthen the bowling department, Matthew Fisher has also been included in the squad for the entire series instead of just the final two matches.

The first ODI of the series will be played next Wednesday, November 4, at Eden Park in Auckland.