Michael Bracewell Ruled Out of T20 World Cup After Calf Re-Injury

New Zealand have suffered a significant setback in their T20 World Cup campaign, with all-rounder Michael Bracewell ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 tournament after re-injuring his left calf. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks.

Bracewell had initially sustained a calf tear during the third ODI against India last month. Although he scored an unbeaten 28 in that match, he did not take the field during India’s innings and was subsequently ruled out of the five-match T20I series that followed.

According to a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release, Bracewell had successfully rehabilitated the injury but suffered a recurrence during warm-ups on Sunday. Scans later confirmed the setback.

“Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, which is expected to require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to play,” the NZC statement said.

This marks another injury-related disappointment for Bracewell, who also missed the 2023 ODI World Cup in India after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, an injury that required surgery.

In Bracewell’s absence, off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India as a reserve alongside fast bowler Ben Sears. McConchie, who has represented New Zealand in 12 T20 Internationals and six ODIs, brings valuable experience to the squad.

The Canterbury captain was in impressive form in the recent Super Smash tournament, finishing as his side’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps at an economy rate of 7.71. Across his T20I career, McConchie has taken seven wickets at an economy of 7.29.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at losing Bracewell but backed McConchie to step up if required.

“We’re all feeling for Michael,” Walter said. “It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery.

“Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head, especially for a World Cup.”

New Zealand have made a strong start to their campaign, winning both of their matches so far, including a dominant ten-wicket victory over UAE. They will next face South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 14 as they look to maintain their unbeaten run.