New Zealand have been dealt a significant pre-series blow ahead of their five-match ODI series against India, starting Wednesday at Eden Park, Auckland, with allrounders Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra ruled out as both continue to rehabilitate ongoing injuries. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the withdrawals on 2 November, forcing squad reshuffles for different legs of the series.

Why Chapman and Ravindra Are Missing

Mark Chapman is recovering from a left hamstring injury, and a recent MRI scan indicated he requires a further two weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to competitive action. Rachin Ravindra, meanwhile, is battling a shoulder problem that has not yet recovered sufficiently for him to field at full capacity in white-ball cricket.

Head coach Rob Walter acknowledged the impact of losing two key allrounders. 'Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it's a shame they have to miss this series. I caught up with Mark last week and although he's disappointed he's working hard to get back on the field,' Walter said.

On Ravindra, Walter added: 'His shoulder hasn't quite recovered to a position where he could field comfortably in white-ball cricket, so with the Test series later this month we don't want to take any undue risks.'

Squad Changes: Who Comes In

Henry Nicholls will join the squad for the first three ODIs, and Dean Foxcroft will feature in games four and five. Tim Seifert, originally selected only for the final two matches, has been elevated to the squad for the full series. Walter described both replacements as ready contributors: 'We're pleased to bring in Henry, who is no stranger to this side, and Dean who recently featured in the ODIs against the West Indies.'

Nicholls arrives in fine domestic form, having scored his 13th List A century — 119 runs — for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy against the Wellington Firebirds. Foxcroft is set to join the group at the conclusion of the New Zealand A red-ball series against India A.

Henry and Fisher Situations

Fast bowler Matt Henry assembled with the squad on Monday and will be assessed for match readiness before the series opener. Matt Fisher, initially pencilled in only for games four and five, has been retained across the full series as an additional bowling resource.

Full Squad Breakdown

Games 1–3: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner.

Games 4–5: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

With the Test series scheduled later in November, New Zealand's management is evidently prioritising Ravindra's long-term fitness — a calculated risk that leaves the ODI batting lineup thinner than originally planned going into what promises to be a demanding home assignment against India.