Two key New Zealand batters, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway have been struck down by illness, just a couple of days before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. The duo are expected to miss their practice match, but coach Rob Walter feels that the duo would be up and running by the time their first match comes.
Devon Conway & Rachin Ravindra to miss warm up clash
NZ are supposed to play their warm up match vs USA in Mumbai, and the side will also miss Finn Allen in action, as he is recovering from a shoulder injury. “There’s a bit of illness in the camp, unfortunately, at the moment, so Devon and Rachin are struggling with a viral infection, which I suppose is part and parcel of touring,” Walter told reporters on Thursday.
“Rachin’s next door to me, and it hasn’t sounded good all night, so I think he might be struggling.” Meanwhile, they play their first match vs Afghanistan in Chennai on Sunday. That said, Michael Bracewell should be up and running after a calf injury.
“Everyone’s sort of on track at this stage to be fit and healthy for game one, which is good news,” he said.
Lockie Ferguson back
On the flipside, one of the positives for the side could be the comeback of pacer Lockie Ferguson. He can crank up good speed, and could play a pivotal role in NZ’s journey in the T20 World Cup. “He has worked incredibly hard to get himself ready for the World Cup,” said Walter.
“He said he was going to ease into it, but he was bowling 145 (kph). So if that’s him easing in, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come.”
