The New Zealand cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the T20 series against South Africa, with star leg-spinner Ish Sodhi ruled out with a fractured thumb.
Sodhi suffered the injury while fielding his own bowling during practice ahead of the series opener at Mount Maunganu. Subsequent scans confirmed the break, which is expected to sideline him for about four weeks of rehabilitation.
The 30-year-old, who has played over 100 T20Is, will be a significant loss for the home side. His absence leaves a significant gap in the bowling attack, especially considering his vast experience in the shorter format.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the player’s eagerness to represent his country.
“Ish is very keen to play for New Zealand and we are looking forward to him playing in front of his home fans after the World Cup campaign,” said head coach Rob Walter.
“He is very experienced in the T20 format, so he will be a big miss for the rest of the series.
“With Lockie coming in, as well as Mitch and Kohli, we believe we have suitable cover for the next two matches before the squad changes for the last two.”
More changes are on the horizon for the final two matches of the five-match series. The squad for those matches will include Katen Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Jayden Lennox and veteran batsman Tom Latham. Latham will take over as captain from Santner.
The overhaul comes after a poor performance by the Black Caps in the first T20I, where they were bowled out for a paltry 91 runs, giving South Africa a comfortable win and an early 1-0 lead in the series.