Injured New Zealand pacer O’Rourke to miss India series

FILE PHOTO: New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test and subsequently strained his calf during training in late August. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Injured pacer Will O’Rourke is set to miss the upcoming home series against India, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Saturday.

“Pace-bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the upcoming tour against India as a precaution, as he continues to rehabilitate injuries to his left hamstring and calf,” said NZC in an official statement.

India will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand from October 22 to December 1.

The 25-year-old O’Rourke had come back during the England tour after being out for seven months with a back stress fracture. However, he suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test and subsequently strained his calf during training in late August.

News | Will O'Rourke will miss the upcoming tour against India as a precaution, as he continues rehabilitate injuries to his left hamstring and calf. Full story ➡️ https://t.co/WmzQmxq11V #NZvIND https://t.co/Wxr1gjLfx4

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 9, 2026

New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision to miss the India series was made after discussion with O’Rourke and the medical team, with an eye on December’s four-Test tour of Australia.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” said Walter.

“He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.

“Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months so we’re taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he’s fully fit before he takes the field again.

New Zealand will announce its squad for the ODI series against India on Sunday.