'Freak accident': Black Cap dislocates shoulder during promotional shoot

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Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand before the start of play. England v New Zealand Blackcaps, Day 4of the 3rd Test cricket match at Trentbridge, Nottingham, England on Sunday 28 June 2026.

Black Caps all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot with broadcaster Sky.

Ravindra was attempting to take a catch and landed awkwardly on a safety mat during filming on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Wellingtonian's participation in the early part of India's three-format tour of New Zealand is in some doubt. It starts with a five match T20 series on October 22.

New Zealand Cricket said initial assessments by medical specialists on Friday had cleared Ravindra of any structural damage, but his return to play will be determined by his progress during rehabilitation.

"It was a really unfortunate injury," Black Caps performance manager Mike Sandle said.

"We're gutted for Rachin and our key priority is making sure he recovers well and gets back on the field as soon as he can.

"As with all commercial shoots involving our players, the activities were agreed in advance by all parties, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Rachin Ravindra celebrates his 50 in the Black Caps' victory over Canada at the T20 World Cup.

"It was a bit of a freak accident, and we'll continue to review our processes around events like this in the future."

Head coach Rob Walter said Ravindra's long-term fitness was the priority.

"With a heavy schedule of Test cricket in the next six months, we don't want to rush Rachin back sooner than we need to," said Walter.

"He's in great hands in terms of his rehab and we look forward to welcoming him back soon."

Ravindra has become a key player for New Zealand in all three formats of the game since his debut in a T20 international in Bangladesh in September 2021.

His highest score in a Test is 240 against South Africa at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui in February 2024.

The Black Caps play the T20 series, followed by five ODI matches and then two Test matches, the first at the Basin Reserve in Wellington starting on 19 November, and the second at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, beginning on November 27.

The Black Caps T20 squad is due to be announced next week.

rnz.co.nz

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