New Zealand vs India: Martin Guptill ruled out of T20I series

Dashing New Zealand opener Martin Guptill made his way back into the national team recently but his return proved to be short-lived as injury has ruled him out again. This time, he is set to miss the three-game T20I series starting February 6. The 32-year-old batsman was replaced by all-rounder Jimmy Neesham who played in the final two ODIs against India.

Guptill had a productive series against Sri Lanka before India’s tour started but his performance was below par in the five-match ODI series which followed. In four games that he played in the series, the opener managed only 47 runs with the highest score of 15 in the second match in Mount Maunganui. New Zealand lost the series 1-4 which is their worst loss against the Men in Blue at home.

“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days. It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right,” Black Caps coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

Guptill injured his back ahead of final ODI against India

Martin Guptill, who has a double century in the 50-over format, sustained a back injury ahead of the final ODI against India in Wellington and will be hoping to return against the Bangladesh series starting next week. The Kiwis will want the hard-hitting batsman to be fit ahead of their World Cup campaign starting June 1.

The three-match T20I series against India will be held in Wellington, Auckland (February 8) and Hamilton (February 10). India will be led by Rohit Sharma in the series as regular captain Virat Kohli has been rested. Rohit led India in the final two ODIs also, losing one before winning the other.

The Kiwis have also included Daryl Mitchell, a rookie all-rounder and son of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, in their T20I squad.

Updated New Zealand T20I squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Doug Bracewell, Ross Taylor, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

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