New Zealand's plans for a mouth-watering multi-format home summer have been dealt a setback, with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India.

The New Zealand batsman sustained a dislocated right shoulder during the filming of a commercial, which will see him out of action for about six weeks.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at the news but is optimistic that the player will be back in action before the start of the one-day international series.

“We're gutted for Rachin; he's going to play a big role for us this summer so it's important he doesn't rush his rehab, but we are optimistic that he'll be back in time for the ODIs,” said Walter.

New Zealand aims to have the returning player available for the one-day international series starting on November 4.

New Zealand's Experience and Firepower: Milne and Bracewell Return and Rachin Ravindra Injury

While losing Rachin Ravindra stings, the Black Caps have got a big boost with the return of seasoned campaigners Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell.

Milne returns to international T20 cricket after having been out of the game for over a year.

His last game came against Zimbabwe back in June. Milne has added firepower to an imposing pace battery that includes Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell returns to the fold after missing the recent T20 World Cup for New Zealand due to injury. Thirteen members of the squad have experience of finishing runners-up to India at the last World Cup. The Men in Blue won the third title by a 96-run win in the final against the Men in Blue.

Pacer Ben Sears continues his cautious return from an ankle injury.

With a busy summer ahead, Walter stressed the need to balance fielding a strong side and not overworking players.

“Our primary focus is winning games and putting the best team on the park, but we also have to keep in mind the volume of cricket in the coming months,” Walter said. “We are very fortunate to have such a great depth to choose from, and we will look to utilize all 16 players throughout the series.”

Series Schedule

The T20I leg will kick off in Christchurch and travel around the country:

1st T20I: October 22 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch

2nd T20I: October 24 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch

3rd T20I: October 27 – Basin Reserve / Wellington

4th T20I: October 30 – Eden Park, Auckland

5th T20I: November 1 – Seddon Park, Hamilton

The multi-format tour will see five ODIs and two Test matches follow on to a thrilling summer of cricket in Aotearoa.

New Zealand T20I Squad:

Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith.