New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman ruled out of ODI series against India

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New Delhi: New Zealand have received a jolt before their five-match ODI series against India after two members of their squad, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, have been ruled out of the series due to injuries.

The series kicks off on November 4 in Auckland. Ravindra has returned to Auckland to rehabilitate his shoulder injury and Chapman is still battling a hamstring issue.

That is likely to make it harder for New Zealand to have a reliable batting order against the formidable Indian team.

Reports have indicated that Ravindra is still not fit enough to come into the field freely in white-ball cricket.

The team management has decided not to risk the all-rounder, especially with a two-match World Test Championship series against India starting later this month.

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Meanwhile, Chapman is likely to be out at least another two weeks as he continues his rehabilitation.

Once the withdrawals are confirmed, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert will be eligible for selection in all five ODIs. Henry Nicholls is in the squad for the first three ODIs, with Dean Foxcroft available for the remaining two.

“The inability to field those two players was disappointing but I’m confident the squad will be able to adapt and carry on,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.

The five-match ODI series will begin on November 4 in Auckland, followed by matches in Wellington on November 7 and Hamilton on November 10.

The final two encounters will be played in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. Both teams will look to build momentum ahead of the subsequent Test series.

Also Read: NZ vs IND, 5th T20I: Iyer, Ishan fifties take India to 191/8; Milne takes 4-fer

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