Champions Trophy: This Is Why Rachin Ravindra Misses NZ’s Campaign Opener Against Pakistan

February 19, 2025: New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra will miss the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan in Karachi due to a forehead injury he sustained during the recent tri-nation series.

Ravindra suffered the injury in the 38th over of the second innings of the February 8 final of the tri-series, while attempting a catch off Michael Bracewell. Under the floodlights, Ravindra lost sight of the ball and took a heavy blow to his face. He was immediately taken off the field and did not return for the remainder of the match after starting to bleed.

The following day, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Ravindra had received stitches for the wound. He was then placed under Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols and monitored closely. According to NZ head coach Gary Stead, Ravindra had experienced a few days of headaches, although they were subsiding. He was able to hit a few balls for the first time after the injury, but Stead mentioned there were a few more steps to go through before Ravindra would be deemed fit for action.

Ravindra’s absence has been confirmed ahead of the Champions Trophy opener, with NZ skipper Mitchell Santner mentioning at the toss that the young all-rounder was still not ready to return to the field. Ravindra, who had been in good form with the bat, scoring 203 runs in his last seven matches at an average of 29, will be missed. His spot in the lineup has been taken by Will Young.

Rachin Ravindra’s injury came at a time when New Zealand was hoping to field their strongest XI in the tournament. However, with Ravindra unavailable, Young will step in to take his place in the playing XI.

Playing XIs for the CT opener:

• Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
• New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.