Big blow for New Zealand, star spinner ruled out of South Africa T20I series

New Zealand hit with a major injury set back as their star leg spinner is ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against South Africa after suffering a thumb injury during training.

The leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, picked up the injury while bowling in a training session at Bay Oval on March 14, with scans later confirming a fractured thumb. The injury will keep Sodhi out of action for at least four weeks, effectively ending his participation in the remainder of the series.

Sodhi missed opening match

Sodhi did not feature in the first T20I, where Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie handled spin duties. New Zealand suffered a seven-wicket defeat in that match. Despite Sodhi’s absence, the hosts have decided not to call up a replacement, believing they have sufficient bowling resources within the squad.

Lockie Ferguson returns to squad

New Zealand will receive a boost with the return of Lockie Ferguson, who is scheduled to join the team for the second and third T20Is.

Additional players set to feature later in the series include:

Katene Clarke (games 4 and 5), Dane Cleaver (games 4 and 5, wicketkeeper), Jayden Lennox (games 4 and 5)

Meanwhile, Tom Latham will captain the side in the fourth and fifth matches, replacing Santner who leads the team in the first three games.

Coach Rob Walter on Sodhi’s injury

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Sodhi’s injury, noting the leg-spinner’s importance in the shortest format.

“Ish is very passionate about playing for New Zealand and was looking forward to turning out in front of home fans after the T20 World Cup campaign. He is hugely experienced in the format and will be a big miss for the remainder of the series.”

Sodhi remains one of the most successful bowlers in New Zealand’s T20 setup. He currently ranks among the top wicket-takers in men’s T20 internationals, highlighting his importance to the team’s spin attack. The leg-spinner recently featured in three matches during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, though he was unable to make a major impact with the ball.

Series continues on March 17

New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second match of the five-game T20I series on March 17, with the hosts hoping to bounce back after their defeat in the opener.

Updated New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c) (games 1-3), Katene Clarke (games 4, 5), Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk, games 4-5), Devon Conway (wk) (games 1-3), Lockie Ferguson (games 2-3), Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk, captain for games 4,5), Jayden Lennox (games 4-5), Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith.


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