New Zealand top order batsman Martin Guptill was on Monday ruled out of T20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury.
Coach Gary Stead revealed Guptill failed a fitness test but expected the hard-hitting opener to recover in time for the ODI series against Bangladesh which starts next week.
“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days,” Stead said.
“It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right.”
Guptill picked up the injury before the fifth ODI against India in Wellington on Sunday which the hosts lost as the series went 4-1 in India’s favour.
Guptill has been replaced by Jimmy Neesham for the three-match T20 series which begins in Wellington on Wednesday.
Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
