Published on: Oct 9, 2026 1:06 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 9, 2026 5:23 pm IST
New Zealand’s left-hand batter Mark Chapman and right-arm seamer Zakary Foulkes have been officially ruled out of the India Tour of New Zealand 2026 T20I series due to injuries. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) selection committee took no time to announce their replacements in all-rounder Jos Clarkson and right-arm pace bowler Blair Tickner. The 5-match T20I series between India and New Zealand will kick off on October 22 in Christchurch.
Middle-order batter Mark Chapman sustained a tear in his left hamstring while playing in the European T20 Premier League last month. While the injury completely sidelined him from the 20-over matches against India, the medical team expects him to complete his rehabilitation in time for the subsequent five-match One Day International (ODI) series.
Meanwhile, seam bowler Zak Foulkes suffered a right hip flexor injury during a recent training session with Canterbury. Unlike Chapman, Foulkes does not yet have a clear timeline for his recovery and return to competitive action, leaving his availability for ODI series uncertain.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his views on the injured duo while also expressing full confidence in the replacements named. Speaking to a media release, Walter stated,
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery.”
He added,
“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”
Josh Clarkson brings power-hitting lower down the order and also offers a handy, gentle medium pace. Meanwhile, Blair Tickner is a fairly experienced international bowler who adds raw pace to the already impressive pace bowling unit that features Adam Milne, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Nathan Smith, and Jacob Duffy. Check the updated T20I squad below, led by Mitchell Santner.
The Squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (WK), Nathan Smith.
The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and India is set to commence on October 22 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Check out the full schedule below.