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New Zealand (Source:X)
In a significant development, New Zealand’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a setback just days before the tournament begins. Key players Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra have been ruled out of the team's warm-up match against the USA.
Both players have been struck down by a viral infection, leaving the Black Caps short of match practice at a crucial time.
The warm-up match is scheduled to be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 5. It will be New Zealand's only practice game before they begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on Sunday.
Devon Conway & Ravindra to miss USA warm-up clash ahead of T20 World Cup
Head coach Rob Walter confirmed the development on Thursday, explaining that illness has spread through the New Zealand camp.
Along with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, explosive player Finn Allen is also being rested as he continues his recovery 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.
Walter also gave a personal update on Ravindra’s condition, suggesting the young all-rounder is finding it tough.
"Rachin’s next door to me and it hasn’t sounded good all night, so I think he might be struggling," he said.
Despite the setback, the New Zealand coach remains confident that both batters will be fit in time for the team’s opening match.
"Everyone’s sort of on track at this stage to be fit and healthy for game one, which is good news," Walter added.
Conway and Rachin Ravindra crucial players for T20 World Cup
It is important to note that Conway and Ravindra are vital to New Zealand's batting plans for the T20 World Cup 2026. Devon Conway brings stability and experience at the top of the order, while Ravindra offers flexibility as a left-handed batter and spin-bowling all-rounder.
Their absence from the warm-up match means the team will not get a full rehearsal with their preferred playing XI.
New Zealand's camp faces massive injury concerns
New Zealand have already had a challenging build-up to the tournament. They recently lost a five-match T20 series 4-1 to India, and several players have dealt with fitness issues.
All-rounder Michael Bracewell missed that series due to a calf injury but is expected to be available for the BlackCaps first T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan. Finn Allen is also likely to return in time despite missing the warm-up.
There have also been concerns in the bowling department. Adam Milne is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury; he has been replaced by Kyle Jamieson.
Encouragingly for New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson has looked sharp since returning from injury.
"He has worked incredibly hard to get himself ready for the World Cup,” Walter said. “He said he was going to ease into it, but he was bowling 145 kilometres per hour. If that’s him easing in, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come."
The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, will look to win their first-ever T20 World Cup title. With the tournament set to begin on February 7, the Kiwis will be hoping illness stays out of the camp, and their key players return quickly.
