New Zealand lose key duo to injury for India T20I series

New Zealand have suffered a massive blow ahead of their upcoming T20I series against New Zealand with news that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes will miss the series due to injury.

Chapman hurt his hamstring while playing in a T20 league in Europe last month and will be sidelined for the entire five-match series with an eye on returning for the ODI series with India, while Foulkes is battling a hip flexor complaint and is still yet to have his return to play timeline determined.

It paves the way for all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner to be included in New Zealand's 16-member squad for the series that commences in Christchurch on October 22 and Black Caps coach Rob Walter is looking forward to welcoming the duo into his playing group.

"I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said.

“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.”

The two teams met in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, when India registered a comprehensive 96-run triumph.

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner

Series schedule:

First T20I: 22 October, Christchurch 
Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch 
Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington
Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland
Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton