New Zealand Pacer Will O'Rourke to Miss India Series Due to Injury

New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke will be absent from the upcoming home series against India due to ongoing rehabilitation for his hamstring and calf injuries. After a challenging recovery from a back stress fracture, O'Rourke faced further setbacks, prompting the team's coach, Rob Walter, to adopt a cautious approach regarding his return. The multi-format tour will kick off with T20 matches on October 22, followed by ODIs and a Test series. Fans are eager to see how the team adapts without their key bowler.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 17:51 IST

Pacer to Miss Entire Multi-Format Tour

Will O'Rourke, the New Zealand pacer, will not participate in the upcoming home series against India this Saturday as he continues his rehabilitation for injuries affecting his left hamstring and calf.

Earlier this year, O'Rourke made a return to the Black Caps after being sidelined for seven months due to a back stress fracture. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test against England, which saw New Zealand secure the ICC World Test Championship series 2-1. The 25-year-old later strained his calf during a training session in late August.

Coach Discusses 'Conservative Approach'

Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, elaborated on the choice to rest O'Rourke ahead of a significant tour that includes a two-match series as part of the ongoing WTC cycle. Walter expressed, "It’s certainly disappointing for Will to miss such a prominent home tour against India. He was expected to play in both the ODI and Test series, but after further discussions, we all concurred that it was best for him to take additional time to recover from both injuries and gradually increase his bowling loads."

"Our pace bowling resources will be crucial in the coming months, so we are adopting a cautious approach to Will’s return to ensure he is fully fit before stepping onto the field again," he added.

"Ideally, he will be ready to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield by late December, and in a perfect scenario, he will be fit for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9," he concluded.

New Zealand vs India Tour Details

New Zealand Cricket has announced that they will reveal their ODI squad against India on October 10.

The multi-format tour will commence with five T20Is starting on October 22. Following that, the teams will play as many ODIs as possible from November 4 in preparation for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The series will conclude with a two-match World Test Championship series beginning on November 19.

Series Schedule

1. First T20I: 22 October, Christchurch

2. Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch

3. Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington

4. Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland

5. Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton

6. First ODI: 4 November, Auckland

7. Second ODI: 7 November, Wellington

8. Third ODI: 10 November, Hamilton

9. Fourth ODI: 13 November, Mount Maunganui

10. Fifth ODI: 15 November, Mount Maunganui

11. First Test: 19-23 November, Wellington

12. Second Test: 27 November-1 December, Christchurch.