WELLINGTON: Martin Guptill was Monday ruled out of the New Zealand side for the Twenty20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury.
Coach Gary Stead said Guptill failed a fitness test but he remained hopeful the big-hitting opener would recover in time for the one-day international series against Bangladesh starting 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 was injured before Sunday´s fifth ODI against India in Wellington which the tourists won by 35 runs to wrap up the series 4-1.
He has been replaced by Jimmy Neesham for the three-game Twenty20 series, which starts in Wellington on Wednesday.
The New Zealand squad includes newcomer Daryl Mitchell, a son of former rugby player and one-time All Blacks coach John Mitchell, who is now an England assistant coach.
New Zealand 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