New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee T20I series against Australia after sustaining a serious facial laceration during training. The incident occurred at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, when Ravindra collided with the boundary boards while taking part in a fielding drill.
Although he cleared initial concussion assessments, the severity of the injury required specialist medical intervention and intricate stitching on his upper lip and nose. Team management has confirmed that Ravindra will return home to focus on recovery and rehabilitation, ruling him out of all three matches in the series. His absence represents a significant loss for the side given his form and versatility in the middle order.
Recent Form
Rachin Ravindra has been among New Zealand’s most consistent performers in T20Is this year, providing stability and aggression in the middle order. His ability to rotate strike, find gaps, and convert starts into impactful scores has been critical for the team’s balance. In his last five innings, he has produced a mix of high-impact scores and steady contributions, demonstrating both power and composure under pressure.
| Match | Runs Scored | Opposition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 69 | India | Dubai |
| 2 | 30 | Pakistan | Dubai |
| 3 | 3 | Sri Lanka | Hamilton |
| 4 | 63 | England | Wellington |
| 5 | 47 | Australia | Auckland |
These performances highlight his ability to influence games and his value to the team as both a stabilizer and an attacking option. His current form makes his absence even more impactful for New Zealand in this short, high-stakes series.
Replacement and Squad Update
To address Ravindra’s absence, James Neesham has been called up as a replacement. Neesham, who appeared in New Zealand’s T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe in July, offers flexibility as an allrounder, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Additionally, top-order batter Tim Robinson is available as an option to strengthen the batting lineup.
The team is already managing multiple key absences, including:
- Mitchell Santner (abdominal injury)
- Will O’Rourke (back)
- Glenn Phillips (groin)
- Finn Allen (foot)
- Adam Milne (ankle)
- Lockie Ferguson (hamstring)
- Kane Williamson (unavailable)
The combination of these injuries and Ravindra’s withdrawal leaves New Zealand facing a challenging task in balancing experience, form, and fitness across a condensed series schedule.
Coach’s Statement
Head coach Rob Walter expressed his concern and disappointment over the situation:
“We are naturally disappointed that Rachin will miss this series. His health and recovery are our top priority, and sending him home was the correct decision to ensure he receives the specialist care required. Rachin has been in excellent form, and while we miss his presence, we are focused on giving opportunities to other players who can step up. The goal is to have him fully fit and available for the England series in two weeks.”
Walter’s statement underscores the team’s commitment to player welfare while maintaining competitive balance despite multiple absences.
Impact on Team and Upcoming Series
Rachin Ravindra’s absence affects both the batting and fielding units. His ability to anchor the middle order and accelerate when needed will be missed, and the team will need to adjust its fielding positions to compensate for his absence. The three-match series against Australia will be played over four days, requiring careful rotation and management of remaining squad members to maintain energy and performance levels.
New Zealand will need to rely on players such as Neesham and Robinson to fill gaps, while senior players like Santner, Williamson, and Phillips remain unavailable. This presents both challenges and opportunities for the squad as they seek to remain competitive and build momentum for the upcoming England series.
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FAQs-Rachin Ravindra Injury & Chappell-Hadlee T20I Series 2025
1.1. Why is Rachin Ravindra out of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series?
Rachin Ravindra sustained a major facial laceration during fielding practice at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The injury required specialist stitching, ruling him out of all three matches against Australia.
2.Who has replaced Rachin Ravindra in the New Zealand squad?
Allrounder James Neesham has been called up as Ravindra’s replacement. Top-order batter Tim Robinson is also available as a potential option for the starting XI.
3.When is Rachin Ravindra expected to return to international cricket?
The team expects Ravindra to focus on full recovery and rehabilitation, with the aim of returning for the England T20I series in two weeks.