New Zealand leg-spinner injured during training session before the opening match in Mount Maunganui

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

New Zealand have suffered an early setback in their T20I series against South Africa, with experienced leg-spinner Ish Sodhi ruled out of the remaining matches after sustaining a broken thumb during training.

Sodhi was struck on his thumb while bowling in a practice session ahead of the first T20I in Mount Maunganui. Medical scans later confirmed a fracture that will require around four weeks of rehabilitation, effectively ending his participation in the ongoing series.

Despite the injury blow, New Zealand’s selectors have decided not to bring in a replacement for the leg-spinner. With fast bowler Lockie Ferguson joining the squad for the second and third matches in Hamilton and Auckland, the team management believes they have adequate options to balance the side. All-rounder Mitchell Santner and spinner Cole McConchie are expected to take on greater responsibility in handling the spin duties.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter acknowledged Sodhi’s absence as a significant loss for the team, especially given his experience in the shortest format of the game.

Sodhi had been eager to perform in front of home supporters following New Zealand’s recent World Cup campaign. However, the injury means he will miss the remainder of the series, forcing the team to adjust its bowling combination for the upcoming matches.

For the final two matches of the series, several players including Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Jayden Lennox, and Tom Latham are set to join the squad. Latham will also assume captaincy duties for those games, taking over from Santner.

New Zealand will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the series, having been bowled out for just 91 runs in the opening match against South Africa.