Rachin Ravindra Suffers Facial Injury Ahead of T20I Series Against Australia

New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra has suffered a facial injury during a training session, just a day before the start of the T20I series against Australia. The incident occurred on Tuesday (September 30) when Ravindra collided with a boundary hoarding while attempting a catch during fielding drills.

According to a statement from the New Zealand team's official social media handle, "Ravindra received a facial laceration and will continue to be monitored by the medical team having passed an initial concussion test at the ground."

This marks the second facial injury Ravindra has sustained in 2025. Earlier this year, he was struck on the forehead while attempting a catch under floodlights during a tri-series match against South Africa in Lahore, in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. That injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tri-series and New Zealand’s opening Champions Trophy game against Pakistan.

New Zealand are scheduled to face Australia in a three-match T20I series, beginning October 1 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The remaining two matches are set to be played on October 3 and 4. Ravindra’s availability for the series remains uncertain and will depend on further medical assessment.

The injury is a setback for the Black Caps, who are counting on Ravindra's all-round capabilities as they build momentum ahead of a busy international season.