IND vs NZ 2026: Mitchell Santner to Lead New Zealand’s 16-Man T20I Squad; Adam Milne Returns, Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India due to a dislocated shoulder sustained during a promotional shoot. The 26-year-old's absence is a major setback for the Blackcaps, who were runners-up to reigning T20 World Cup champions India in March.
Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand's rising all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been sensationally ruled out of the highly anticipated five-match T20 International series against India, following a freak shoulder injury suffered during a promotional shoot last week. The 26-year-old sustained a dislocated right shoulder on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, while attempting a diving catch during filming, landing awkwardly on a safety mat. His absence is a significant blow for the Blackcaps as they prepare to host the reigning T20 World Cup champions, India. Rachin Ravindra Doubtful for India vs New Zealand T20Is After 'Freak Accident' Causes Injury During Shoot.
New Zealand Squad For T20Is vs India
Box Office 🍿
Our T20I squad to face India in the five-match Hero VIDA T20I series, Powered by Ai+ Nova Smartphone, starting on Thursday 22 October at Hagley Oval. pic.twitter.com/KIBdZA3LMz
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 23, 2026
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Initial medical assessments conducted on Friday, September 19, 2026, thankfully revealed no major structural damage to Ravindra's shoulder. However, his immediate return to competitive cricket remains uncertain, contingent on his progress during rehabilitation over the coming weeks. New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle described the incident as an "unfortunate injury" and a "freak accident," assuring that player safety protocols for commercial activities would be reviewed. Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter confirmed Ravindra would miss the T20I series, with the priority placed on his full recovery, particularly given a demanding schedule of Test cricket looming for the young all-rounder.
Milne's Return and Squad Management
In related squad news, experienced fast bowler Adam Milne, 34, has been recalled to the 16-man New Zealand T20I squad for the India series after more than a year away from international cricket. Milne, who missed the T20 World Cup earlier this year due to injury, bolsters a potent seven-strong pace attack, reflecting the home side's strategy to manage player workloads at the start of a busy season. Coach Walter emphasised the depth of talent available, stating the team aims to utilize all 16 squad members to navigate the packed international calendar.
The Blackcaps squad features 13 players who were part of the side that finished runners-up to India in the T20 World Cup in March. Mitchell Santner will lead the side, with other key inclusions being Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, and Finn Allen. India Tour of New Zealand 2026 Sees High Ticket Sales Ahead of Historic 12-Match Series.
Series Schedule
New Zealand will host India for a comprehensive all-format tour, beginning with the five T20Is. The fixtures are scheduled as follows:
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Start Time (NZDT) | IST Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Oct 22, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 12:30 PM (UTC+13) | 5:00 AM (UTC+5:30) |
| 2nd T20I | Oct 24, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 12:30 PM (UTC+13) | 5:00 AM (UTC+5:30) |
| 3rd T20I | Oct 27, 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 12:30 PM (UTC+13) | 5:00 AM (UTC+5:30) |
| 4th T20I | Oct 30, 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | 12:30 PM (UTC+13) | 5:00 AM (UTC+5:30) |
| 5th T20I | Nov 1, 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 12:30 PM (UTC+13) | 5:00 AM (UTC+5:30) |
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
The Blackcaps face a daunting challenge against India, having struggled in recent T20I encounters, including a defeat in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. India also secured a dominant 5-0 victory in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in 2020, following a 1-0 series win in New Zealand in 2022. New Zealand's recent T20I form includes a 2-3 series loss to South Africa and a 1-1 drawn series against Bangladesh.
Ravindra's absence will undoubtedly test New Zealand's depth, while Milne's return adds crucial experience to the pace battery as they look to reverse their recent fortunes against a formidable Indian side on home soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
