New Zealand legspinner Ish Sodhi has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa after suffering a broken thumb during training.
Sodhi sustained the injury while bowling in a practice session ahead of the opening match of the series in Mount Maunganui. Scans later confirmed a fracture, which will require approximately four weeks of rehabilitation.
The injury comes as a significant setback for New Zealand, as Sodhi is one of the side’s most experienced T20 bowlers. Despite the loss, selectors have decided not to call up a replacement for the remaining matches.
Instead, the team management will rely on Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie to handle the spin-bowling responsibilities in the next two games. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is also set to join the squad for the second and third matches of the series in Hamilton and Auckland, providing an additional boost to the bowling attack.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Sodhi’s absence, noting the legspinner’s passion and experience in the format.
“Ish is very passionate about playing for New Zealand and was looking forward to performing in front of home fans after the World Cup campaign,” Walter said. “He is hugely experienced in T20 cricket and will certainly be missed for the remainder of the series.”
Further changes are expected later in the series, with Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Jayden Lennox and Tom Latham scheduled to join the squad for the final two matches. Latham will also take over the captaincy duties from Santner for those games.
New Zealand had already suffered a tough start to the series, after being bowled out for just 91 in the opening match against South Africa.