Kane Williamson ruled out of part of India Test series with groin injury

New Zealand's leading batsman, Kane Williamson (34), is uncertain for the upcoming Test series against India due to a groin injury incurred during the second Test against Sri Lanka, as announced by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday.

The former captain will not accompany the team to India on Friday and will remain at home for rehabilitation, according to selector Sam Wells' statement.

"The guidance we have received indicates that the most prudent approach is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate at this time, rather than risk exacerbating the injury," Wells stated.

"We are optimistic that, should the rehabilitation proceed as planned, Kane will be available for the latter stages of the tour."

Uncapped Mark Chapman, a consistent all-rounder in New Zealand's white-ball squads, has been included in the 17-man squad as a replacement for Williamson.

"We consider Mark to be one of our most proficient players against spin and he has a solid track record in the subcontinent," Wells remarked.

Williamson's absence represents a significant setback for the Black Caps as they seek to avoid another series defeat following their 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka.

Historically, New Zealand has never triumphed over India in a Test series on subcontinental soil, having lost 1-0 during their last tour in 2021.

The Black Caps have suffered four consecutive Test defeats, alongside a washed-out match against Afghanistan.

Tom Latham, the opening batsman, will lead the team for the three-Test series against India after Tim Southee stepped down as captain following the disappointing results against Sri Lanka.

In contrast, India recently achieved a record-extending 18th consecutive Test series victory on home ground with a 2-0 sweep over Bangladesh.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell will join the New Zealand squad for the first Test in Bangalore, commencing on October 16, before returning home for the birth of his second child.

India-born leg-spinner Ish Sodhi will take Bracewell's place for the remainder of the series in Pune and Mumbai.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that faced the 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.

The squad representing New Zealand includes the following players: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.