Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out of Australia Series After Training Injury

New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee T20I series against Australia after sustaining a serious facial injury during a training session.

The incident occurred during fielding practice at Bay Oval, where Ravindra collided with the boundary boards. While he passed initial concussion tests, he suffered a major laceration to his upper lip and nose, which required specialist treatment and intricate stitching.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed the development, stating, “We’re all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series. He sustained a major laceration which will take time to heal. His health and wellbeing is our top priority, so the decision was made to send him home to recover.”

Ravindra has been in excellent form in T20 internationals this year, scoring 69, 30, 3, 63, and 47 in his last five innings. He was expected to play a key role in the three-match series, which begins this Wednesday.

Allrounder Jimmy Neesham has been called in as Ravindra’s replacement. Neesham last featured for New Zealand during the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe earlier this year, where he played one match.

Ravindra's absence adds to an already long list of injuries in the New Zealand camp. The squad is missing several key players, including:

• Mitchell Santner (abdominal injury)

• Will O'Rourke (back)

• Glenn Phillips (groin)

• Finn Allen (foot)

• Adam Milne (ankle)

• Lockie Ferguson (hamstring)

• Kane Williamson (unavailable)

With multiple injuries affecting both sides, the series will test the depth of New Zealand and Australia’s squads.

Top-order batter Tim Robinson is also being considered for a place in the playing XI for the series opener. The three T20Is will be played over just four days.

Ravindra is now aiming to return in time for New Zealand’s upcoming series against England, set to begin in two weeks.