New Zealand head coach provides injury update on Rachin Ravindra

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has revealed that all rounder Rachin Ravindra has not yet regained full fitness following an injury sustained in the opening match against Pakistan during the ongoing Tri-Nation series.

Ravindra, who was playing as an opener, took a nasty blow to the forehead while attempting a catch in the 38th over of the match against Pakistan. The impact caused him to suffer from headaches for several days, forcing him to leave the field early. As a result, Ravindra missed New Zealand's victory over South Africa, which secured their place in the final in Karachi.

Although Ravindra returned to the nets on Thursday night, Stead confirmed that he remains unfit for selection.

"The good news is that he's progressing well. We're following head injury assessment protocols," Stead said in a video shared by BlackCaps on social media. 

"He's had a headache for a few days, but it's subsiding, which is really positive. He hit a few balls tonight for the first time, which is encouraging, but there are still a few more steps to go before we can clear him to play," he added. 

Stead also provided an update on veteran pacer Lockie Ferguson, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury during the ILT20. Ferguson has since resumed bowling sessions and gradually increased the intensity.

"Lockie’s had a couple of bowling sessions since arriving here, and he stepped up the intensity a bit more tonight," Stead said. 

"We're happy with his progress, and we’re aiming for him to play in one of the next two games. If any player has minor niggles, we’ll take a cautious approach, especially with the Champions Trophy just around the corner," he concluded. 

New Zealand will be hoping both players are fit ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on 19th February 2025.