The White Ferns have suffered a major blow on the eve of their second one-dayer in India, with Amelia Kerr ruled out with injury.
Scans have confirmed the star allrounder has torn the quadricep muscle in her left leg, an injury sustained in the opening one day match, and will require about three weeks of recovery.
White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer says the team is "really gutted" for Kerr, who was named Player of the Tournament, after New Zealand's T20 World Cup triumph this week.
"Everyone knows how much of an integral part of this team Melie is, so we'll certainly miss her, but we're wishing her a speedy recovery," he said.
Kerr will return home to start her rehabilitation on October 27 and won't be replaced in the squad for the remaining two matches.
India currently lead the three-match series 1-0.
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