Injuries have hit the India vs New Zealand series. Players keep getting ruled out, taking away some of the excitement. Even so, both teams have continued to play competitive cricket and entertain the fans.
The first ODI, however, exposed New Zealand’s batting problems as they suffered a convincing defeat. They were bowled out for 185 in Auckland, with India winning by five wickets through the DLS method. Their batting looked weaker without Devon Conway, who was unavailable for the opening match.
Conway is one of the main pillars of New Zealand’s ODI batting. In terms of his importance to this line-up, there is a strong case for placing him second only to Daryl Mitchell. Losing a batter of his quality and form leaves a major gap at the top.
Devon Conway ruled out of India vs New Zealand series
New Zealand have now suffered another major setback, with Conway ruled out of the remaining ODI series because of concussion. He sustained the injury after colliding with Matt Henry while attempting a catch during training at Eden Park on November 3.
The same injury that kept him out of the opening ODI has now ended his involvement in the series. New Zealand’s batting was already struggling in the first match, and Conway’s absence makes their task of recovering from that defeat even harder.
Nick Kelly named as Conway’s replacement
Nick Kelly has been called into the squad to replace Conway. The left-handed batter was already selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs but will now join the team earlier, ahead of the second match in Wellington.
Kelly gets an opportunity, but replacing one of New Zealand’s leading batters will be a demanding task. The hosts need their batting unit to respond quickly after an opening defeat that left India 1–0 ahead.
Remaining India vs New Zealand ODI schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Start time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI | November 7, 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 7:30 AM |
| 3rd ODI | November 10, 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 7:30 AM |
| 4th ODI | November 13, 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
| 5th ODI | November 15, 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
Updated New Zealand squad for the remaining ODIs
New Zealand selected separate squads for the opening three matches and the final two ODIs. The following lists reflect Conway’s replacement and the earlier injury changes.
Second and third ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.
Matt Fisher will also remain with the squad as an additional bowling option. Matt Henry has been cleared of concussion.
Fourth and fifth ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.
