Mount Maunganui: New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been struck by another setback, suffering a facial injury during training on Tuesday, just a day before the start of the T20I series against Australia.
The 24-year-old collided with a boundary hoarding while attempting a catch, resulting in a facial laceration. According to the New Zealand team’s official handle, Ravindra passed an initial concussion test at the ground but will remain under close medical supervision in the coming days.
This is not the first time the left-hander has endured such misfortune in 2025. Earlier this year, during a tri-series in Lahore leading up to the Champions Trophy, Ravindra was struck on the forehead while attempting a catch under floodlights against South Africa. That incident sidelined him from the remainder of the tri-series as well as New Zealand’s opening Champions Trophy fixture against Pakistan.
The timing of the latest injury is a major concern for the Black Caps. Ravindra has been central to New Zealand’s white-ball setup in recent months, with his batting flair and handy left-arm spin making him one of the team’s most versatile performers. His absence, if confirmed, could disrupt New Zealand’s plans against its traditional rivals.
The three-match T20I series gets underway tomorrow at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The second and third matches are slated for Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4. With Australia arriving in full strength, New Zealand may be forced to reassess their combinations if Ravindra is unavailable.
For Ravindra, this is a frustrating recurrence of facial injuries in the same year, raising concerns about both his luck and durability in high-pressure fielding situations. For New Zealand, the coming 48 hours will determine whether one of their most promising all-rounders can take the field or whether they must brace for another campaign without him.
