IND vs NZ: Why did Michael Bracewell miss first T20I in Nagpur?

Michael Bracewell captained New Zealand in the IND vs NZ ODI series and helped his team win the series by a margin of 2-1.

The first T20I between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur marked the beginning of a crucial five-match series on January 21, 2026. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, this bilateral clash holds immense significance for both teams.

It’s a vital opportunity to fine-tune strategies, test bench strength, and build momentum in subcontinental conditions. New Zealand, fresh off a historic 2-1 ODI series win, their first ever on Indian soil, look to carry that confidence into the T20 format under captain Mitchell Santner.

IND vs NZ: Why did Michael Bracewell miss first T20I in Nagpur?

However, New Zealand suffered a setback right from the outset, with star all-rounder Michael Bracewell missing the opening encounter. Bracewell, who had been instrumental in the ODI triumph, captaining the side to victory and contributing with both bat and ball, was ruled out due to a minor left calf strain sustained during the third ODI in Indore on January 18.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the injury occurred while fielding in the series decider, where Bracewell’s leadership helped secure a 2-1 result despite India’s dominance in the format historically.

NZC’s statement confirmed that Bracewell traveled with the T20I squad to Nagpur but would undergo treatment and monitoring over the coming days. A decision on his further participation in the tour was pending, making his absence from the first T20I a precautionary measure to avoid aggravating the strain.

Head coach Rob Walter emphasized the need for adequate pace-bowling options early in the series, leading to the addition of fast-bowling all-rounder Kristian Clarke for the first three matches. Clarke, who impressed in ODIs by taking seven wickets, including dismissing Virat Kohli twice and adding lower-order runs, was seen as a capable replacement to maintain balance.

IND vs NZ: Playing XI of New Zealand for first T20I against India

Tim Robinson, Devon Conway(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

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