Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out of India T20I Series After Shoulder Injury

Ravindra is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, with New Zealand hoping he will recover in time for the ODI series against India, which begins on November 4. The T20I series is scheduled to start on October 22 in Christchurch.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Ravindra's injury but said the team would not rush his recovery.

"We're gutted for Rachin. He's going to play a big role for us this summer so it's important that he doesn't rush his rehab, but we're optimistic he'll be back for the ODIs," Walter said.

Bevon Jacobs has been added to the squad as a middle-order option. The 24-year-old has played 11 T20Is for New Zealand and most recently impressed with an unbeaten 62 against Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Adam Milne is set to return to the T20I side after more than a year. He will join an experienced pace attack featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.

Ben Sears has not been considered for selection as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

With a demanding international schedule ahead, New Zealand are expected to rotate their fast bowlers throughout the series. The T20I campaign against India will be followed by five ODIs and two Tests, while New Zealand are also scheduled to tour Australia for a four-Test series before returning home to face Sri Lanka early next year.

"We're very fortunate with the depth that we've got to call upon, so we'll look to use all 16 squad members throughout the series as we manage workloads," Walter said.

At the top of the batting order, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are set to reunite for the first time since the T20 World Cup. Their inclusion means there is no place in the squad for Tim Robinson.

Walter said New Zealand were looking forward to hosting India and beginning their home summer against the reigning T20 world champions.

"It's going to be awesome to welcome India to our shores and get summer underway," he said. "India is a quality team and a challenging opposition, so to take them on in our own conditions in front of Kiwi fans is really exciting."

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner in the five-match T20I series.

New Zealand T20I Squad vs India

• Mitchell Santner (captain)

• Finn Allen

• Michael Bracewell

• Mark Chapman

• Devon Conway

• Jacob Duffy

• Lockie Ferguson

• Zak Foulkes

• Matt Henry

• Bevon Jacobs

• Kyle Jamieson

• Adam Milne

• Daryl Mitchell

• Glenn Phillips

• Tim Seifert

• Nathan Smith

The T20I series begins on October 22 in Christchurch, followed by five ODIs and two Tests between the two sides.