William O’Rourke ruled out of New Zealand’s home series against India as injuries mount

William O’Rourke has been ruled out of New Zealand’s entire home series against India, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on October 10, 2026, after the pacer continued his recovery from injuries to his left hamstring and calf.

The announcement follows earlier losses of Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes to injury, and came after O’Rourke — who had been under consideration for both the ODI and Test squads — was withdrawn as a precaution. New Zealand Cricket said the decision was made with the upcoming four-Test series against Australia in December in mind, and it will delay O’Rourke’s return to international cricket at home; he last played on home soil in April 2025. A stress fracture in his back kept him out the following summer before he returned to action during New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh in April, where he featured in all three ODIs after seven months on the sidelines.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” said New Zealand coach Rob Walter. “He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads. “Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we’re taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he’s fully fit before he takes the field again." “Ideally he'll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world he’ll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.”

O’Rourke had played all three Tests against England in June but suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test in Nottingham. His rehabilitation was then interrupted by a calf strain sustained during a training session in late August.

New Zealand had already made squad alterations ahead of the India visit, calling up Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner as replacements for Chapman and Foulkes in the T20I group.

After the T20I matches, the two sides will play five ODIs beginning on November 1, before moving on to a two-Test series. The Tests are scheduled to be played in Wellington and Christchurch, with the opening Test due to start on November 19.

O’Rourke had already been omitted from New Zealand’s five-match T20I squad against India, which begins on October 22, meaning he will miss the immediate fixtures in the home series.