Ish Sodhi Ruled Out of New Zealand vs South Africa T20I Series With Broken Thumb

New Zealand and South Africa have started their five-match T20I series, with South Africa winning the first game comfortably away from home. New Zealand have now suffered another setback, as their star spinner Ish Sodhi has been ruled out of the rest of the series after breaking his thumb. It is worth noting that Sodhi injured himself after he was struck while bowling at training ahead of the opening match in Mount Maunganui, and after scans revealed a broken thumb, the star man will require at least four weeks of rehab before he can make his comeback. 

Ish Sodhi ruled out of series with broken thumb

Lockie Ferguson will join New Zealand’s squad for the second and third T20I matches, so the team has decided not to name any replacement players. For spin bowling, the hosts will rely on Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie.

"Ish is very passionate about playing for New Zealand and we know he was looking forward to turning out in front of home fans after the World Cup campaign. He is hugely experienced in the T20 format and so will be a big miss for the remainder of the series,” head coach Rob Walter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

"We're confident with Lockie coming in, as well as Mitch and Cole, that we have appropriate cover for the next two matches, before the squad transitions for the last two matches,” he added.