NZ vs IND: Injuries pile up for New Zealand as star pacer ruled out of India tour

The injury bug seems to have hit New Zealand hard ahead of the India tour. After losing both Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes, they have lost a star pacer for the ODIs and Tests against India. William O'Rourke has been ruled out of the entire India tour as he continues his recovery from injuries to his left hamstring and calf.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed that O'Rourke, who was being considered for the ODI and Test squads, will miss the assignment as a precautionary measure. The decision has been taken with the upcoming four-Test series against Australia in December in mind, as New Zealand look to ensure the pacer is fully fit for the tour.

The setback also delays O'Rourke's return to home international cricket, having last played on home soil in April 2025. A stress fracture in his back kept him out for the following summer before he returned to action during New Zealand's tour of Bangladesh in April. The pacer featured in all three ODIs on that trip after spending seven months on the sidelines.

"It's obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India," said New Zealand coach Rob Walter.

"He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.

"Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we're taking a conservative approach to Will's return to ensure he's fully fit before he takes the field again."

"Ideally he'll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world he'll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9."

O'Rourke subsequently played all three Tests against England in June. However, he suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test in Nottingham. His recovery was then interrupted by a calf strain sustained during a training session in late August.

The fast bowler had already been left out of New Zealand's squad for the five-match T20I series against India, which begins on October 22. The Black Caps have also had to make changes to that squad, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner have been called up as replacements for Chapman and Foulkes for the T20I series.

Following the T20I leg, the two sides will contest five ODIs, beginning on November 1, before moving on to a two-Test series. The Tests will be played in Wellington and Christchurch, with the opening match scheduled to start on November 19.