Rachin Ravindra Misses India T20Is as Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell Return

New Zealand have confirmed their 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, with Rachin Ravindra ruled out because of a right shoulder injury. Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side, while experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell and fast bowler Adam Milne return after missing the 2026 T20 World Cup through injury.

Ravindra Ruled Out After Shoulder Dislocation

Ravindra suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland on September 16. The 26-year-old was attempting to take a diving catch during filming when he landed awkwardly on a safety mat.

Initial medical assessments found no major structural damage, but the rehabilitation process is expected to keep Ravindra out of action for approximately six weeks. New Zealand have therefore left him out of the T20I squad for the series against India.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team is disappointed by the setback but does not want to rush Ravindra back, particularly with a demanding international schedule ahead. The current target is for the all-rounder to return for the three-match ODI series against India, beginning on November 4.

Milne Returns After More Than a Year

Adam Milne is back in the New Zealand international setup after more than a year away. The 34-year-old last represented the Blackcaps against Zimbabwe and now joins a pace group containing several established international bowlers.

Milne's return adds experience to an attack that also features Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy. Young quicks Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith complete a seven-member pace unit.

New Zealand Cricket said the squad provides considerable bowling depth as the hosts prepare to face India in a five-match series spread across four cities.

Bracewell Also Makes His Comeback

Michael Bracewell is another important addition to the squad after missing the T20 World Cup because of injury. The spin-bowling all-rounder gives New Zealand another option with both bat and ball.

Thirteen members of the New Zealand squad that finished runners-up to India at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup have been retained. Bracewell and Milne are among the players returning after their respective injury absences.

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert Reunite

New Zealand will also reunite Finn Allen and Tim Seifert at the top of the batting order. The pair enjoyed a productive partnership during the T20 World Cup and will again provide an attacking opening combination.

Allen produced one of the tournament's notable innings during the semifinal against South Africa, smashing an unbeaten century from just 33 balls. Seifert also enjoyed an excellent tournament and was named Player of the Tournament in The Hundred after a strong campaign for Manchester Super Giants.

India Series Begins in Christchurch

The five-match T20I series will begin on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The second match will also be played in Christchurch on October 24 before the teams travel to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27.

The fourth game is scheduled for Eden Park in Auckland on October 30, followed by the series finale at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 1.

New Zealand Prepare for a Busy Home Summer

The T20I series forms the opening part of India's extensive tour of New Zealand. After the five T20Is, the teams are scheduled to contest five ODIs and two Tests, making Ravindra's rehabilitation particularly important for the hosts.

New Zealand will therefore hope Ravindra can complete his recovery in time for the ODI leg while the T20I squad moves forward without one of its key batting and bowling options.

With Santner leading a largely familiar group, the return of Milne and Bracewell gives New Zealand additional experience as they prepare to host the current T20 world champions.