New Zealand suffer double injury blow ahead of India T20Is
Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out; Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner named as replacements for the series starting 22 October.
New Zealand have lost two players to injury ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, which begins on 22 October. Mark Chapman sustained a left hamstring injury during the European T20 Premier League, while Zak Foulkes picked up a right hip flexor strain in a Canterbury training session.
New Zealand Cricket announced the changes on Friday and named all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner as replacements. Head coach Rob Walter said he was disappointed for the injured players but grateful to have experienced options available.
The series will be played across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. Mitchell Santner will lead a squad that includes Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips. India will be looking to extend their momentum after winning the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
CricHubb Take
The timing of these injuries forces New Zealand into a compressed preparation window, and the replacements must integrate quickly into a unit that has not played together recently.