New Zealand’s T20I lineup just got a shake-up. Two key players are out, and two others are in. Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes are ruled out for the upcoming five-match series against India, forcing the selectors to reshuffle the deck.
The replacements aren’t exactly unknown quantities. Allrounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been called up to fill the gaps. Head coach Rob Walter admitted he’s “gutted” for the two injured men but highlighted the “expertise” of the new additions. “I know they're both very excited to be involved in what's shaping up to be an epic T20 series,” Walter said.
The injury reports are specific. Chapman tore his left hamstring in the European T20 League last month. He’s expected to be fit for the ODI series later, but he’s done for the T20s. Foulkes hit his right hip flexor during a Canterbury men’s training session. No return date yet. Just uncertainty.
Mitchell Santner will lead the 16-member squad into the fray. The series kicks off on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with all matches starting at 12:30 PM IST. The schedule moves through Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton, ending November 1. India will be looking to dominate a home New Zealand side that’s missing two key cogs in its engine.