Chapman and Foulkes Ruled Out of India's T20 Tour of New Zealand

New Zealand's preparations for India's blockbuster tour have been dealt a double blow, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the five-match Twenty20 series through injury.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Friday that Chapman, the middle-order batter, is out with a left hamstring tear picked up during last month's European T20 League. The good news for the hosts is that he is expected to recover in time for the one-day series against India later in the tour.

Foulkes' outlook is less certain. The fast bowler injured his right hip flexor in a recent Canterbury training session, and the board has set no timeline for his return, leaving him a doubt for the rest of the tour.

All-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been drafted into the squad as cover, joining a 16-man group captained by Mitchell Santner. Coach Rob Walter said he felt for the two injured players but backed the replacements to seize their chance, adding that both are excited to be involved.

The series marks the start of a full tour, with India set to play five T20s, five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand. The opening T20 is in Christchurch on October 22, giving the hosts just under two weeks to fine-tune a side already forced into changes.