NZ vs AUS 2025: Rachin Ravindra suffers freak injury ahead of T20I series

Published - 30 Sept 2025, 15:31 IST | Updated - 30 Sept 2025, 16:08 IST

Rachin Ravindra sustained a facial injury after bumping into a boundary hoarding while attempting a catch during a training session on Tuesday, September 30 prior to the three-match 20-over series against Australia. All three fixtures in the upcoming series are scheduled to be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

An update for the same and Rachin's recovery process was provided by New Zealand Cricket on their social media.

"Ravindra received a facial laceration and will continue to be monitored by the medical team having passed an initial concussion test at the ground," stated New Zealand Cricket (NZC) official handle on their social media.

For the unversed, this is Rachin's second facial injury in 2025. Earlier this year, he was struck on the forehead while attempting a catch under the floodlights during a tri-series clash between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore. The blow ruled him out for the remainder of the tri-series and also their opening Champions Trophy fixture against Pakistan.

The home series against the Aussies will begin on October 1. The next couple of fixtures are scheduled for October 3 and October 4. The Kiwis have not lost a single T20I in their past five games in the format, and would be keen on extending the streak. New Zealand will take on England six-ball white-ball series (three T20Is and three ODIs) after the Australia series.

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Should Rachin be ruled out, Tim Robinson would likely come into the setup at the top of the order. Tim Seifert is the player to watch out for as far as the hosts are concerned. He has been on a terrific run in 20-over cricket. In his last 11 innings at the international level, he has registered 497 runs at an average and strike rate of 55.22 and 168.47, respectively. This also included a career-best 97 not-out against Pakistan at the concluding part of last season.