Injury Blow for Black Caps: Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes Ruled Out of T20I Series Against India
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As anticipation builds for India's comprehensive multi-format tour against New Zealand—featuring five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches following the conclusion of the ongoing series against the West Indies—the Black Caps have encountered a significant hurdle. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) officially announced on Friday, October 9, 2026, that star batters and all-rounders Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes have been sidelined due to injuries and will miss the opening five-match T20I leg starting on October 22, 2026.
Nature of Injuries: Hamstring and Hip Flexor Setbacks
The untimely injuries have forced New Zealand team management to reconfigure their squad balance ahead of the grueling overseas tour:
Mark Chapman's Hamstring Tear: Chapman sustained a tear in his left hamstring during the European T20 Premier League in September 2026. While medical staff confirmed he will miss the entire T20I series, he is expected to complete his rehabilitation in time for the subsequent ODI leg.
Zak Foulkes' Training Injury: Promising youngster Zak Foulkes was ruled out after suffering an injury to his right hip flexor during a team training session.
Coach Rob Walter Reacts to Squad Changes
With the two players sidelined, New Zealand selectors called up all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner as direct replacements:
Head Coach's Remarks: Expressing sympathy for the injured players, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter stated, "I’m gutted for Mark and Zak, and I wish them both a smooth recovery. We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series."
Adding Depth: The inclusion of Clarkson brings power-hitting depth to the middle order, while Tickner injects valuable international pace and experience into the bowling attack.
New Zealand's Revised T20I Squad for India
Led by white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, the updated 16-player squad comprises:
Squad Roster: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner.
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