Injury Crisis Forces New Zealand Fielding Coach Luke Ronchi To Field Against India

New Zealand had to call-up their fielding coach and former wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi to field for them in the ongoing second ODI against India as they were short of substitute fielders. New Zealand had to take the bizarre call because sickness crisis in the squad at the moment.

Before the game started, New Zealand named just one player – Mitchell Santner – as their substitute. However, he too had a stomach bug and thus could not come out to field. On the other hand, skipper Kane Williamson is currently nursing a shoulder injury while Scott Kuggeleijn has a flu.

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In the 37th over of India’s innings, Luke Ronchi was seen walking out on the field in the New Zealand kit.

Just around a month ago, New Zealand were in a similar position when they took on Australia in the Sydney Test. They suffered a number of injury and sickeness setbacks and were compelled to ask their batting coach and former opener Peter Fulton to field.

Peter Fulton is in the whites with Jeet Raval the latest to suffer from the flu ? Boys fighting on the park – Will Somerville with the early wicket of Wade ?

?? CARD | https://t.co/EPIJotM8GY#AUSvNZ #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/5agcuwhi4i

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 4, 2020

Luke Ronchi last played for New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy and announced his retirement in the same year. The former wicketkeeper, who also played for Australia in 2008 and 2009, represented the Black Caps in four Tests, 85 ODIs and 32 T20Is. He was an integral member of the 2015 World Cup side that made it to the final.

Meanwhile, New Zealand are in a strong position in the ongoing game. After scoring 273 in the allotted 50 overs, the hosts have responded brilliantly with the ball. At the time of writing this report, they had India reeling at 189 for 7 in the 40th over. The Black Caps are leading the three-match series after winning the series-opener by four wickets when they chased down 348.