Big setback to New Zealand before the Test series against India, a star batsman is out

The series of three Tests against New Zealand is starting from October 16, after the T20 International series against Bangladesh. However, before that, the Kiwi camp has suffered a major setback. New Zealand's star batsman Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the first Test match against India in Bengaluru. The Kiwi team has included Mark Chapman in the team for the upcoming tour of India. Tom Latham will captain the Kiwi team in the three-match Test series against India after Tim Southee resigned from the post as captain following their 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.

According to ESPNcricinfo, New Zealand's star cricketer Kane Williamson will not play the first Test against India in Bengaluru. As per the report, Williamson has yet to fully recover from the back strain sustained during the recently concluded Sri Lanka series. Williamson's injury, at 34, will be a major setback for the Kiwis in the Test series against India.

In fact, Williamson injured his back during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Following this, he had to extend his rehabilitation at home before flying to India. New Zealand selector Sam Wells hopes Williamson will be available for the final phase of their upcoming Test series.

Kane said that the best advice he has received is to rest and rehabilitate rather than risk aggravating the injury further. We are hoping that if the rehabilitation goes as planned, Kane will be available for the final leg of the tour. Although Kane's absence from the start of the tour is disappointing, it does allow someone else to play a role in the important series.

New Zealand team for India tour: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (first Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (second and third Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.