New Zealand suffer triple injury blow ahead of India series

New Zealand have suffered a triple injury setback ahead of their home series against India. Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke have been ruled out of the tour. Chapman sustained a left hamstring injury during the European T20 Premier League, while Foulkes suffered a right hip flexor injury during a Canterbury training session. O'Rourke will miss the ODIs and Tests as he continues rehabilitation from left hamstring and calf injuries sustained earlier this year.

New Zealand Cricket announced the changes on Friday. Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner have been added to the T20I squad to replace Chapman and Foulkes. O'Rourke's absence is a precautionary measure ahead of the four-Test tour of Australia in December. Head coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken jointly with O'Rourke and the medical team to ensure he returns fully fit.

The five-match T20I series begins on 22 October. New Zealand will announce their ODI squad on Sunday. The tour comprises five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests across four venues.