New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (AP photo)
The all-rounder suffered the injury on Wednesday (September 16) while attempting a diving catch during filming with Sky. The T20I series against India is scheduled to begin on October 22, leaving Ravindra with just over a month to recover. New Zealand are due to name their T20I squad for the India series early next week, with Ravindra’s rehabilitation progress likely to be a key factor in determining his availability.
Ravindra landed awkwardly on a safety mat, according to New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle. “It was a really unfortunate injury,” Sandle said. Head coach Rob Walter said the focus would be on ensuring the player makes a full recovery rather than pushing him back prematurely. He’s in great hands in terms of his rehab and we look forward to welcoming him back soon,” Walter said.
His availability for the series, however, remains uncertain. “We’re gutted for Rachin and our key priority is making sure he recovers well and gets back on the field as soon as he can. New Zealand are also keen to avoid taking unnecessary risks with Ravindra given the packed Test calendar that awaits the team over the next six months. “With a heavy schedule of Test cricket in the next six months, we don’t want to rush Rachin back sooner than we need to.