New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is doubtful for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India after dislocating his right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland.
sustained the injury on Wednesday while attempting to take a diving catch during filming for a commercial shoot with broadcaster Sky. New Zealand Cricket said the 26-year-old landed awkwardly on a safety mat while completing the attempt.
The injury was assessed by medical specialists on Friday. The initial assessment cleared Ravindra of any major structural damage, but his return-to-play timeline remains dependent on his progress during the early stages of his rehabilitation. Cricket has therefore not confirmed whether he will be available for the India series.
The five-match T20I series is scheduled to begin on 22 October in New Zealand. The hosts are due to announce their squad for the series next week, meaning Ravindra’s rehabilitation will take place shortly before the squad is finalised.
New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle described the incident as an unfortunate accident and said the team’s priority was Ravindra’s recovery. “It was a really unfortunate injury. 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,” he said.
Sandle also said the activities involved in commercial shoots are agreed upon in advance and that appropriate safety measures had been in place during the filming. He described Ravindra’s injury as a “freak accident” and said New Zealand Cricket would review its processes around such events.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter also indicated that the team would take a cautious approach with Ravindra’s recovery. With a substantial Test schedule ahead, Walter said there was no desire to rush the all-rounder back into action before he was ready.
Ravindra has become an established part of New Zealand’s white-ball setup. He has represented New Zealand in 115 matches across formats. He was also New Zealand’s leading run-scorer at the 2023 and the team’s leading wicket-taker at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where New Zealand reached the final.
His availability is particularly relevant with India set to begin their three-format tour of New Zealand with the five-match T20I series on 22 October. tour of New Zealand will subsequently include five ODIs and two Tests.
For now, New Zealand Cricket has not provided a definitive timeline for Ravindra’s return. His participation in the India T20Is will be determined by his rehabilitation and subsequent medical assessment.
