New Zealand Cricket has confirmed O’Rourke ruled out of the home series against India, with the 25-year-old fast bowler continuing his rehabilitation from hamstring and calf injuries.
The 25-year-old will miss the one-day international and Test matches against the tourists as a precaution, with New Zealand Cricket prioritising his recovery ahead of a demanding international schedule. O’Rourke tore his left hamstring on the final day of the third Test against England in Nottingham in June and then strained his calf during a training session in late August.
O’Rourke ruled out as precaution with Australia tour in mind
Head coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken jointly with O’Rourke and the team’s medical staff, and was driven by the need to protect one of New Zealand’s most promising pace bowlers for the long term.
“It is obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” Walter said. “He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.”
Walter added: “Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we are taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he is fully fit before he takes the field again.”
The immediate target for O’Rourke is now a return to domestic cricket for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December. In an ideal scenario, he will be ready for the first Test of New Zealand’s four-match tour of Australia, which begins in Perth on December 9.
A difficult year for the young quick
O’Rourke’s absence continues a frustrating run of injuries. The right-arm pacer had only recently returned to international cricket in April after spending seven months on the sidelines with a back stress fracture. He featured in all three Tests of New Zealand’s 2-1 series win in England in June, taking 10 wickets and impressing with his pace and bounce on English pitches.
Since his Test debut in 2024, O’Rourke has claimed 49 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just under 25, establishing himself as a central figure in New Zealand’s pace attack.
New Zealand’s mounting injury worries
O’Rourke is not the only absentee ahead of India’s visit. Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were also ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday and have been replaced by Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner. Rachin Ravindra was earlier ruled out of the T20I series after an injury during a promotional shoot, while India have recalled veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the T20Is.
New Zealand are expected to announce their squads for the ODI and Test series on Sunday. India’s tour begins with five T20Is, starting in Christchurch on October 22, followed by five ODIs and two Tests.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Will O’Rourke out of the India series?
O’Rourke is recovering from a torn left hamstring suffered in June and a calf strain picked up in August. New Zealand Cricket has ruled him out of the home ODI and Test series against India as a precaution to avoid rushing him back.
When did O’Rourke last play for New Zealand?
He last played in the third Test against England in Nottingham in June 2026, where he tore his hamstring on the final day of the match.
When is O’Rourke expected to return?
The plan is for him to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, with the goal of being fit for the first Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.
How big a loss is O’Rourke for New Zealand?
He is a significant loss. Since his 2024 debut, he has taken 49 wickets in 14 Tests at an average just under 25, and he was one of the standout bowlers in New Zealand’s 2-1 series win in England earlier this year.
*Sources: Reuters, ESPNcricinfo. Related: West Indies stun India in record 250 chase, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in first T20I as Farhan stars, Ronaldo scores on Al-Nassr return.*
