New Zealand suffered a big setback in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies as their star batter Daryl Mitchell has been officially ruled out for the remaining matches. The decision came after he picked up a minor groin tear during his brilliant century in the series opener.
Mitchell, who has been in exceptional ODI form this year, felt discomfort while batting and did not return to the field in the second innings. Scans later confirmed a small tear, forcing the team management to sideline him for at least two weeks.
Read more: Mitchell Santner Captaincy Record
Mitchell Injured During Match-Winning Century
Mitchell played a superb knock in the first ODI, scoring a match-winning century that helped New Zealand secure a narrow victory. However, the strain he suffered while batting turned out to be serious enough for immediate rest.
Daryl Mitchell’s Performance in 1st ODI
| Detail | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 119 (118 balls) |
| Boundaries | 12 fours, 2 sixes |
| Match Result | NZ won by a narrow margin |
| Injury | Minor left groin tear |
The injury occurred at a crucial time, with New Zealand already dealing with multiple absentees this series.
Recovery Timeline: Good News for Test Fans
The medical team has confirmed that Mitchell will need around two weeks of rehabilitation, which means he is expected to be fit in time for the three-match Test series starting December 2.
This brings relief for fans and team management, as Mitchell is a key player in the longer format as well.
Henry Nicholls Joins Squad as Replacement
Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls, who was initially called for the second ODI only, will now stay with the New Zealand squad for the rest of the series.
Nicholls has been in outstanding domestic form and brings much-needed experience to the middle order.
Henry Nicholls ODI Career Overview
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 81 |
| Runs | 2180 |
| Average | 34.6 |
| Strike Rate | 80.3 |
| 50+ Scores | 16 (1 hundred, 15 fifties) |
Nicholls is also currently in top touch in domestic cricket, which made his selection easy for the selectors and coaching staff.
Mitchell’s ODI Form in 2025: A Huge Loss for NZ
Mitchell has been one of New Zealand’s best ODI performers this season, scoring over 700+ runs with multiple fifty-plus scores and dominating the middle order.
Daryl Mitchell in ODIs This Year
| Parameter | Stat |
|---|---|
| Runs in 2025 | 761 |
| Average | 54.36 |
| 50+ Scores | 7 |
| Role | Key middle-order batter & match-winner |
Losing him at such an important stage of the series is a big blow for New Zealand’s plans.
Coach and Captain React to Mitchell’s Injury
New Zealand head coach expressed disappointment, highlighting how important Mitchell has been for the team recently. The coach also added that the injury is minor and the team expects him to be fully fit for the Test series.
The captain praised Mitchell as a “man for crisis,” appreciating how he fought through discomfort to score a brilliant century.
What This Means for the Series?
New Zealand are leading the series 1-0, but Mitchell’s absence puts added pressure on the batting lineup.
With several key players already unavailable, the team will rely on Nicholls and other backup batters to step up.
Next Match Details
| Match | NZ vs WI – 2nd ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | November 19 |
| Venue | McLean Park, Napier |
| Series Status | NZ lead 1-0 |
Conclusion
Daryl Mitchell’s injury is a major setback for New Zealand, especially considering his red-hot form. However, the good news is that the injury is minor and he is expected to return for the upcoming Test series.
Meanwhile, Henry Nicholls’ inclusion adds stability, and New Zealand will look to maintain their lead as the ODI series progresses.
