Table of Contents
Massive injury updates ahead of the white-ball series between India and New Zealand. New Zealand is all set to host Team India for a white-ball series comprising 5 T20Is and 5 ODIs, respectively. Ahead of the series, which is scheduled to start on October 22 in Christchurch, it is learnt that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes will miss the T20 series due to injury.
According to the ICC's latest updates, Mark Chapman has picked up a hamstring injury while playing in a T20 league in Europe last month. Due to the injury, the batter will remain sidelined for the entire 5-match T20I series.
Two injury setbacks for New Zealand
According to the latest reports, he could return to the pitch during the ODI series against India. The ODI series will start on November 4, and the T20I series will conclude on November 1.
According to the latest ICC report, Foulkes is battling a hip flexor complaint, and there is no fixed timeline for his possible return with the New Zealand National Cricket Team.
Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes injury updates ahead of India vs New Zealand T20Is
With both cricketers uncertain for the entire series, the injuries are a major blow for the hosts. The ODI series will be a preparatory series for both of the teams in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI series.
"I’m gutted for Mark and Zak, and I wish them both a smooth recovery. We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series," Black Caps coach Rob Walter said.
Black Caps, however, have the back-ups, and they have already announced them days before the bilateral series. The Black Caps have named all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner for the T20I series as the replacements for Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes.
New Zealand's squad for the 5-match T20I series vs India
Despite the two changes, the rest of the Kiwi squad remains unchanged, with Mitchell Santner as the captain. Despite the injury to Mark Chapman, the home team could expect some explosive knocks throughout the series as they have some series hitters in the team, including Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and the experience of Devon Conway. Their batting combination will be interesting to see as there are too many options.
For the bowling, there will be Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, and several other options to support the frontline.
The home team's T20I squad after making two forced changes: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner
The New Zealand vs India T20I Series 2026 will feature five matches from October 22 to November 1, 2026, during India's tour of New Zealand. The series will begin with the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, followed by the second match at the same venue on October 24. The third T20I will be played at Wellington's Sky Stadium on October 27, while the fourth match is scheduled at Eden Park in Auckland on October 30. The series will conclude with the fifth T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 1.
