Will O'Rourke ruled out of India vs New Zealand series [Source: AFP]New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has confirmed that fast bowler Will O'Rourke won't participate in the multi-format series against India. The young pacer has been ruled out of the India tour of New Zealand 2026 due to injury. New Zealand are set to take on India in five T20Is, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches in the October-November window. Will O'Rourke, having not recovered from hamstring and calf injuries, has been sidelined from the entire tour. Rob Walter confirms Will O'Rourke's unavailability for India vs New Zealand 2026On Saturday, October 10, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Will O'Rourke would be unavailable for the home series against India. Notably, O'Rourke returned to international cricket earlier this year after a seven-month hiatus due to a back stress fracture. He bagged seven wickets in the first two Tests between New Zealand and England before sustaining a hamstring tear on day 5 of the Nottingham Test in June 2026. His fitness worsened in August when O'Rourke strained his calf muscle while training. ALSO READNew Zealand T20I Squad vs India Updated As Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes Ruled Out With InjuryRob Walter rued Will O'Rourke's injury right before the multi-format series against India, where the fast bowler could've been one of New Zealand's most valuable assets. “It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India. 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," Walter was quoted as saying by NZC. “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," he added. Will O'Rourke has played 14 Tests, 20 ODIs and 7 T20Is for New Zealand, scalping 49, 27 and 7 wickets, respectively. Rob Walter reveals when Will O'Rourke might make his comebackSpeaking further, Rob Walter revealed that Will O'Rourke could represent Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in December. If the fast bowler remains fit, he can make his way back into the New Zealand playing XI for the Perth Test against Australia, scheduled for December 9. “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," Walter added.ALSO READRanji Trophy 2026-27 Schedule, Elite Group Squads, Live Streaming, Venues, All You Need To Know
