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Ish Sodhi Ruled Out of T20I Series vs South Africa with Broken Thumb

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa after suffering a broken thumb in training. The injury requires up to four weeks of rehabilitation, forcing him to miss the home series. Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the remaining spin options of Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie, with Lockie Ferguson joining the squad as pace reinforcement. South Africa took a 1-0 series lead with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the first T20I.

Key Points: Ish Sodhi Ruled Out of NZ vs SA T20I Series

  • Sodhi injured in training
  • Out for up to four weeks
  • No replacement named
  • Lockie Ferguson to join squad
  • South Africa lead series 1-0
2 min read

Ish Sodhi ruled out of remainder of T20I series against SA

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi is out of the T20I series against South Africa with a broken thumb, leaving a gap in the spin attack.

"He is hugely experienced in the T20 format and so will be a big miss for the remainder of the series. - Rob Walter"

Hamilton, March 16

New Zealand have suffered a blow with spinner Ish Sodhi being ruled out of the remainder of T20I series against South Africa due to a broken thumb.

Sodhi hurt his thumb while bowling at training on Saturday and scans have since revealed a break in the affected area and a rehabilitation period of up to four weeks.

That will see the right-armer that played three matches at the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup miss the remainder of the home series against South Africa.

However, New Zealand haven't named a replacement for Sodhi, with speedster Lockie Ferguson to join the team for the second and third matches of the series following an easy seven-wicket victory for the Spith Africa in the opening fixture in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

It will leave Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie as the main spin options in New Zealand's squad and head coach Rob Walter believes they have enough depth to cover the loss of Sodhi.

"Ish is very passionate about playing for New Zealand and we know he was looking forward to turning out in front of home fans after the (T20) World Cup campaign," Walter said.

"He is hugely experienced in the T20 format and so will be a big miss for the remainder of the series.

"We're confident with Lockie coming in, as well as Mitch (Santner) and Cole (McConchie) that we have appropriate cover for the next two matches, before the squad transitions for the last two matches."

On Saturday, in the first T20I, a clinical bowling display followed by a measured chase helped South Africa secure a comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20I of the five-match series

Chasing a modest target of 92, South Africa reached 92/3 in 16.4 overs with Connor Esterhuizen anchoring the innings with a composed 35 not out off 44 balls. The right-hander fittingly sealed the win with a six off Kyle Jamieson, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series.

New Zealand squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Katene Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Injuries are part of the game, but a broken thumb from training? That's just unlucky. Hope he recovers well. Interesting they haven't called up another spinner. Relying on Ferguson's pace might be a gamble on these pitches.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian fan, I always find Sodhi tricky to play against. His absence definitely weakens NZ's attack. Good opportunity for Cole McConchie to step up, though! South Africa will be feeling confident.
V
Vikram M
The coach says they have "appropriate cover" but not replacing a specialist spinner with another is a strange call. Santner can't do it all alone. The balance of the side looks off now. Hope this decision doesn't backfire.
K
Karthik V
Get well soon, Ish! Injuries before a big series are the worst. On the bright side, more game time for Lockie Ferguson. His pace could be a real weapon if the pitch has any bounce.
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Priya S
The first match scoreline says it all – NZ all out for 91! The batting is a bigger concern than Sodhi's injury, yaar. They need to sort that out first if they want to compete in this series.

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