On October 9, 2026, New Zealand Cricket revealed that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes are both unavailable, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner added as backup. New Zealand lose two players to injury ahead of the five-match T20I series, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner named as replacements.
Mark Chapman suffered a left hamstring strain while playing in the European T20 Premier League last month. Foulkes, meanwhile, had a right hip flexor injury during a Canterbury training session.
The pair join Rachin Ravindra on the sidelines; Ravindra was ruled out after landing awkwardly on a safety mat during a promotional shot; he is expected to return for the tour’s ODI leg.
“I’m devastated for Mark and Zak, and I wish them both a speedy recovery. We are fortunate to be able to draw on Josh and Blair’s experience. “I know they’re both very excited to be a part of what is shaping up to be an epic T20 series,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said in a statement.
What are Mark Chapman and Foulkes’ recovery timelines?
Mark Chapman prognosis is relatively positive. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that he will be available for the ODI series against India, which takes place from November 4 to November 15, 2026. That timeframe suggests that, while his hamstring damage is bad enough to put him out of the T20Is, it is unlikely to keep him out for a lengthy period. He ‘is on track to be available for the ODIs against India’, according to New Zealand Cricket.
Foulkes’ picture is less clear. NZC stated that Foulkes” return to play timeframe is still to be established’ following a hip flexor injury received while training with Canterbury. There is no specific timeline for his return, and management will evaluate his progress before making any additional decisions.
Who will replace them, and how does New Zealand’s pace assault look?
Clarkson and Tickner have been drafted to fill the two openings. Both are experienced domestic campaigners, and their inclusion provides New Zealand’s depth in both pace and all-round alternatives for the series.
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New Zealand’s pace resources for the T20I series are significant. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy make up the nucleus of the fast bowling group, with Tickner joining them. Nathan Smith and Clarkson, both all-rounders, provide more seam alternatives later down the line. Notably, Adam Milne will return to T20I cricket for the first time in over a year, offering the management more flexibility over the five matches.
New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series against India:
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner
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