Rachin Ravindra doubtful for India T20Is after injuring shoulder during ad shoot

Rachin Ravindra is a key member of the New Zealand white-ball set-up. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Rachin Ravindra is doubtful for New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India after sustaining a shoulder injury during an advertisment shoot on Wednesday.

“Rachin Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder while attempting to take a diving catch during a promotional shoot with Sky in Auckland on Wednesday, September 16,” said a New Zealand Cricket media release.

“Initial assessments by medical specialists on Friday, September 18 have cleared major structural damage, but Ravindra’s return to play timeline will be determined by his progress during the first weeks of his rehabilitation.”

New Zealand is set to pick its squad for the series next week, with the first match slated for October 22.

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“It was a really unfortunate injury,” said New Zealand Performance Manager Mike Sandle. “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.

“As with all commercial shoots involving our players, the activities were agreed in advance by all parties, with appropriate safety measures in place.

“It was a bit of a freak accident, and we’ll continue to review our processes around events like this in the future.”

With New Zealand facing high-profile Test series’ against India and Australia over the coming months, head coach Rob Walter confirmed that the southpaw’s availability for those series would be prioritised.

“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,” said Walter.

“He’s in great hands in terms of his rehab and we look forward to welcoming him back soon.”