Published on: Nov 3, 2026 11:35 am IST|Updated on: Nov 3, 2026 11:35 am IST
New Zealand’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against India continue to face roadblocks. Their left-hand curse continues as, after Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, who have been ruled out of the entire ODI series, another left-hand batter, Devon Conway, is set to miss the first ODI against India at Eden Park in Auckland.
Conway’s untimely absence comes on the heels of a training ground mishap, adding to the mounting injury concerns for the Blackcaps, who are already dealing with the long-term absence of key stalwarts.
Conway’s injury unfolded during an intense practice session when the 35-year-old collided with his teammate and fast bowler Matt Henry. While taking part in fielding drills and middle-practice simulations, the heavy impact left Conway with minor concussion symptoms and soft-tissue strains.
The medical staff immediately assessed the left-hand batter, and out of an abundance of caution regarding head knocks and physical recovery protocols, the team management decided to rest him for the series opener. With Conway now unavailable, the team management will have to rethink their plans and strategy at the top order ahead of the first ODI in Auckland, which is less than 24 hours away.
Ahead of the ODI series, Devon Conway is the third injury casualty in the Blackcaps squad. Fellow left-hand batters Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have already been ruled out of the entire series due to different injury concerns.
Ravindra injured his shoulder during a promotional ad shoot ahead of the T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Chapman is still undergoing hamstring rehabilitation, an injury that troubled him during the European T20 League 2026. With the camp already struggling with injuries among batters, reinforcements are much needed for the hosts to challenge a strong-looking Indian ODI side led by Shubman Gill, who is still looking for his first-ever away ODI series win as the skipper.
Devon Conway was all set to open the innings for the Blackcaps along with fellow left-hander Henry Nicholls. With Devon not available now, at least for the first ODI, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Siefert is the front-runner to take the opener’s spot in Devon’s absence. With Tim, the Blackcaps will get additional support as the right-hand aggressive opener also keeps wickets. In case the management decides to hand over the keeping gloves to Tim Seifert, the 31-year-old from Whanganui can take that responsibility as well.
While the medical team monitors Conway’s daily recovery with hopes of a swift return for the second ODI in Wellington, his absence in the opener forces New Zealand into an emergency reshuffle as they look to combat a star-studded Indian side.