Why Michael Bracewell is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 1st T20I?

New Zealand are all set to take on India in a five-match T20I series, which promises to be a thrilling one. The series will play a crucial role for both the teams in order to find perfect combination of the team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Both teams enter the game with lot of confidence as they have some of the best T20 batsmen in the world. India, the hosts, are hoping for an early momentum in the shortest format after suffering a devastating 1-2 loss to the Black Caps in the ODI series. After a dismal run at the top level in 2025, captain Suryakumar Yadav got into some form during the IND vs NZ 1st T20I.

Why Michael Bracewell is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 1st T20I?

In the first T20I game, the toss went in favour of the Kiwis as they invited India to bat first. Before the series started, New Zealand suffered a setback as all-rounder Michael Bracewell got injured. During the third ODI in Indore, Bracewell suffered a calf injury. Additionally, he has travelled with the team to Nagpur.

As a result, Kristian Clarke was named as Michael Bracewell replacement for the first three games of the five-match T20 International series against India. Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach had a word on Michael Bracewell injury and confirmed that he will be assessed before his availability.

Clarke was a key bowler from the New Zealand cricket team in the ODIs as he picked most no. of wickets. Apart from his bowling, he also scored useful runs down the order. However, New Zealand will be hoping for Michael Bracewell to be fit before the mega event as he is part of the T20 World Cup squad.

With Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell providing experience, New Zealand have some of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, Duffy, Jamieson, and debutant Clarke make this bowling attack look stronger.

New Zealand Win ODI Series Under Michael Bracewell

All-rounder Michael Bracewell is highly useful cricketer for New Zealand, especially in the white-ball formats. Recently, he led his team to a historic ODI series win over India. While he didn't contribute with the bat or ball much, his leadership qualities helped NZ win the series.

Despite missing out here, he is likely to play a key role in the upcoming World Cup. Being one of the best all-rounders in the world, he lends balance to this line-up with his devastating batting abilities and off-spin bowling.