Devon Conway Ruled Out of 1st ODI After Concussion

New Zealand’s injury concerns have intensified ahead of the first ODI against India, with opener Devon Conway ruled out of the series opener after suffering a concussion during a training session. Conway collided with teammate Matt Henry while attempting to take a catch, adding another setback to the Black Caps’ preparations for the five-match ODI Series.

The incident took place during New Zealand’s training session at Eden Park on the eve of the opening match. Both players received immediate medical attention and underwent Head Injury Assessments. While Henry did not suffer a concussion, further examination confirmed that Conway had sustained one and would miss the first ODI.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had initially described Conway as doubtful during the pre-match press conference. However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) later confirmed the opener’s unavailability in an official statement.

The setback leaves New Zealand with another selection decision to make, particularly at the top of the batting order. Tim Seifert is the confirmed backup opener, while Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham are also possible options if the team needs an experienced replacement alongside Will Young.

Devon Conway ruled out after collision with Matt Henry

Conway and Henry collided while attempting to catch a ball during the BLACKCAPS training session at Eden Park. Conway was struck on the cheekbone by the ball, prompting medical staff to assess both players immediately.

NZC confirmed that the players received treatment at the ground before undergoing Head Injury Assessments. Conway was subsequently taken to the accident and emergency department for further examination, where doctors confirmed a concussion.

“Devon Conway and Matt Henry collided while attempting a catch during the BLACKCAPS training today at Eden Park,” NZC said in a statement.

“Both players were immediately treated by medical staff on-site and received Head Injury Assessments.

“Conway was taken to A&E for further examination which confirmed a concussion that has ruled him out of the first ODI against India tomorrow.”

The confirmation came after Santner had expressed concern about the incident during his media interaction. The New Zealand captain stressed that head injuries needed to be handled carefully and said the team had a backup batter available.

“It’s one of those ones you want to take very seriously, head knocks. We have a backup batter in line just in case, but we’ll wait and see how he pulls up. But it didn’t look great to be fair,” Santner said.

Henry was also assessed after the collision, but Santner indicated that the fast bowler had not suffered a concussion and appeared to be doing okay.

Matt Henry was already doubtful after T20I injury

The collision has created further uncertainty around New Zealand’s bowling options because Henry was already carrying an injury concern. The fast bowler had sustained a tight calf during the second T20I against India and was ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series.

His participation in the first ODI was therefore already doubtful before the training-ground incident. Although the latest assessment did not identify a concussion, his fitness remains an important consideration for New Zealand ahead of the opening match.

With Conway now officially ruled out of the first ODI and Henry managing his earlier injury, the Black Caps face selection challenges in both their batting and bowling departments. The team will need to assess its available players carefully before finalising the playing XI.

Who will open for New Zealand in the first ODI against India?

Tim Seifert is the confirmed backup opener for New Zealand and could partner Will Young at the top of the order if Conway does not receive medical clearance. Seifert was added to the squad on November 2 as a replacement for an unfit Rachin Ravindra, who requires a few more weeks to recover.

However, Seifert has limited experience as an ODI opener. His previous appearance in the format came against Pakistan in April 2025, when he batted in the middle order and scored 26 runs. He is yet to open in an ODI, although his recent batting form provides New Zealand with an alternative option.

The wicketkeeper-batter scored 93 runs in the fifth and final T20I of the series, showing encouraging form ahead of the ODI leg. If selected to open, he would have an opportunity to take on a different role in the 50-over format.

Henry Nicholls offers an experienced opening option

Henry Nicholls is another candidate who could move to the top of the order. The left-handed batter has considerable experience as an ODI opener and recently demonstrated his form with a century for Canterbury against Wellington in the Ford Trophy.

Nicholls has opened in 29 ODI innings, scoring 799 runs at the top of the order, including seven half-centuries. His experience makes him a natural alternative if New Zealand decide against giving Seifert an opening role in the first match.

Nicholls was initially brought into the squad as a replacement for Mark Chapman, who was ruled out of the series. He is set to cover for Chapman during the first three ODIs, before Dean Foxcroft takes his place following the four-day series between New Zealand A and India A.

Tom Latham could also move up the batting order

New Zealand also have an experienced opening option in Tom Latham. The wicketkeeper-batter has regularly played at the top of the order in ODIs and has scored 1,254 runs as an opener at an average of 38.

Latham has recorded three centuries and eight half-centuries in ODI cricket. His experience could make him a dependable choice if New Zealand need to adjust their batting combination following Conway’s absence.

With Seifert, Nicholls and Latham available as possible options, New Zealand have several ways to reorganise their top order. The final decision will depend on the team’s preferred batting combination and the players available for selection.

Devon Conway’s ODI record against India

Conway’s absence is a significant setback because he has produced useful performances against India in the 50-over format. The New Zealand opener has played 11 ODIs against India, scoring 307 runs across 10 innings at an average of 34.11.

His record against India includes one century and one half-century. Losing an experienced batter with a proven record against the opposition adds another challenge for New Zealand as they prepare for the opening match.

New Zealand’s updated ODI squad against India

New Zealand have announced separate squad combinations for the first three ODIs and the final two matches. Conway remains part of the listed squad for the first three games but has been ruled out of the opening ODI following his concussion.

Squad for the first three ODIs:

• Mitchell Santner (captain)
• Michael Bracewell
• Devon Conway (ruled out of first ODI)
• Jacob Duffy
• Matthew Fisher
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
• Daryl Mitchell
• Henry Nicholls
• Glenn Phillips
• Tim Seifert
• Nathan Smith
• Will Young
• Blair Tickner

Squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs:

• Mitchell Santner (captain)
• Finn Allen
• Michael Bracewell
• Kristian Clarke
• Jacob Duffy
• Matthew Fisher
• Dean Foxcroft
• Lockie Ferguson
• Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper)
• Nick Kelly
• Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
• Blair Tickner
• Will Young

India’s updated ODI squad for the first three matches

India will begin the five-match series with Shubman Gill leading the side. The squad includes experienced batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and several options across the batting and bowling departments.

India squad for the first three ODIs:

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain)
• KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
• Axar Patel
• Naman Dhir
• Anshul Kamboj
• Gurnoor Brar
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Arshdeep Singh
• Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
• Mohammed Siraj
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Nitish Kumar Reddy (only for the first ODI)
• Auqib Nabi

India’s ODI squad for the fourth and fifth matches

India will also have a revised squad for the final two ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer named captain. Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra are among the players included in the later-stage squad, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is listed only for the first ODI.

India squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs:

• Shreyas Iyer (captain)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Tilak Varma
• Ishan Kishan (vice-captain and wicketkeeper)
• Axar Patel
• Naman Dhir
• Auqib Nabi
• Gurnoor Brar
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Arshdeep Singh
• Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper)
• Mohammed Siraj
• Yash Thakur
• Kuldeep Yadav

India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026 schedule

The five-match ODI series begins on November 4, with the opening match scheduled at Eden Park. The teams will then travel to Wellington and Hamilton before the final two matches take place at Bay Oval in Tauranga.

New Zealand face selection challenges ahead of series opener

Conway’s concussion has added to New Zealand’s growing injury concerns just before the start of the ODI series against India. The opener’s absence forces the team to reconsider its top-order combination, while Henry’s earlier calf problem creates another fitness concern.

Seifert, Nicholls and Latham give Santner multiple options to fill the opening position alongside Will Young. New Zealand will also need to monitor Henry’s condition before deciding on their bowling combination for the first match.

With India arriving with a squad featuring several established international players, the Black Caps will be keen to settle their team combination quickly. The opening ODI is scheduled for November 4, and Conway’s confirmed absence means New Zealand must prepare for the series opener without one of their experienced top-order batters.