The Black Caps will take a cautious approach with the star's return with looming Test series against India and Australia
New Zealand star injures shoulder in TV shoot gone wrong
New Zealand star Rachin Ravindra is set for a stint on the sidelines after injuring himself in a "freak accident" while filming a promotional shoot.
The Black Caps allrounder dislocated his right shoulder after attempting to take a diving catch during the shoot with broadcaster Sky in Auckland on Wednesday.
It has left the 26-year-old in doubt for New Zealand's upcoming five-match T20I series against India, with a timeline for his return yet to be determined.
In a relief for the Black Caps, however, initial assessments by medical specialists cleared Ravindra of major structural damage – a positive sign given New Zealand's busy upcoming schedule including their four-Test tour of Australia in December and January.
New Zealand performance manager Mike Sandle said Ravindra had landed awkwardly on a safety mat while attempting the catch during filming.
"It was a really unfortunate injury," Sandle said in a statement.
"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.
"It was a bit of a freak accident, and we’ll continue to review our processes around events like this in the future."
The first T20I against India will be played in Christchurch on October 22.
Head coach Rob Walter however was adamant there would be no rushing Ravindra back, with his availability for upcoming Test series, including the tour of Australia, 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," Walter said.
"He’s in great hands in terms of his rehab and we look forward to welcoming him back soon."
New Zealand's T20I squad to face India is set to be announced next week.
They will also host India in five ODIs and two Tests before travelling to Australia ahead of the first Test in Perth starting December 9.