Rachin Ravindra Doubtful for India Series After Freak Shoulder Injury

ISLAMABAD: (Sports Desk0 – New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is a doubt for the team’s upcoming home series against India after suffering a shoulder injury during a commercial shoot, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Saturday.

The 26-year-old dislocated his shoulder while attempting to take a diving catch during a promotional event involving the host broadcaster on Wednesday.

According to New Zealand Cricket, medical assessments have ruled out major structural damage, but it remains unclear whether Ravindra will be fit to feature in the five-match T20 series against India, which begins on October 22.

The T20 series will be followed by five one-day internationals and two Tests.

New Zealand performance manager Mike Sandle said Ravindra landed awkwardly on a safety mat while filming the commercial.

“It was a really unfortunate injury,” Sandle said, adding that the team was disappointed for Ravindra and would focus on ensuring his recovery before returning to competitive cricket.

Sandle said the commercial activities involving New Zealand players had been agreed upon in advance and were conducted with appropriate safety measures in place.

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He described the incident as a “freak accident” and said the team would continue reviewing its procedures for similar events in the future.

Ravindra, a left-handed batter and left-arm spin bowler, has established himself as a key member of New Zealand’s squads across all three formats since making his international debut in 2021. He has played 115 international matches for the Black Caps.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said Ravindra’s rehabilitation would be managed carefully, particularly with a demanding international schedule ahead.

Following India’s tour, New Zealand are scheduled to travel to Australia for a four-Test series.

“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,” Walter said.