New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the upcoming home series against India due to hamstring and calf muscle injuries. The national cricket board announced on Saturday that O’Rourke will not participate in the One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches against India as a precautionary measure.
O’Rourke’s injury and recovery plan
O’Rourke is currently recovering from injuries sustained to his hamstring and calf muscles. New Zealand Cricket stated that the decision to rest him during the India series is aimed at allowing him to fully rehabilitate and safely build up his bowling workload. Coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over O’Rourke missing the marquee home tour but emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to his return.
Walter said, “It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India. We all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.”
The 25-year-old paceman has taken 49 wickets in 14 Tests since his debut in 2024, maintaining an average just under 25. He last played in June during New Zealand’s series win in England but has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring in the final Test and later suffering a calf injury in August.
Team changes ahead of India series
New Zealand’s squad has faced several injury setbacks ahead of India’s tour, which includes five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) starting October 22, five ODIs, and two Tests. Batsmen Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday and replaced by Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner.
Coach Walter also expressed hope that O’Rourke would be fit to play in the four-Test series in Australia scheduled for early December, highlighting the importance of the pace bowling unit in the coming months.
