Daryl Mitchell will miss 2nd ODI against West Indies 2025

New Zealand suffered a major setback as in-form middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against West Indies due to a groin injury. The second ODI of the three-match series will be played on November 19 in Napier. So let’s have a look  Why Daryl Mitchell will miss 2nd ODI against West Indies.

Mitchell Ruled Out After Groin Injury During First ODI Heroics

Mitchell, who smashed a remarkable 119 off 118 balls to guide New Zealand to a narrow seven-run win in the first ODI at Hagley Oval, experienced discomfort in his thigh during the match and did not take the field in the second innings.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC):

“Mitchell experienced discomfort in his thigh while scoring his seventh ODI century… He will undergo a scan this morning which will determine the likelihood of his involvement in the remainder of the ODI series.”

Instead of travelling with the team to Napier, Mitchell stayed back in Christchurch for medical scans that will also determine his availability for the upcoming three-match Test series starting December 2.

Henry Nicholls Called Up as Replacement

With Mitchell unavailable, New Zealand have called up Henry Nicholls as his replacement. The left-handed batter last played an ODI in April but has been in outstanding domestic form.

Nicholls currently sits as the leading run-scorer in the Ford Trophy 2025, amassing 306 runs at an average of 76.50, including back-to-back centuries against Otago and Auckland.

He will join the squad in Napier ahead of the 2nd ODI.

Also in the squad is Mark Chapman, another backup batter, who has enjoyed an excellent year in ODIs, averaging 101.33 in four matches.

Mitchell’s Absence a Major Blow to New Zealand

Mitchell has been one of New Zealand’s most reliable performers recently:

  • Player of the Series vs England in ODIs with two vital half-centuries
  • Played key finishing roles in the T20I series that New Zealand won 3-1
  • Delivered match-winning performances in pressure situations

His injury further increases New Zealand’s concerns ahead of the Test series.

BlackCaps Struggling With Multiple Injuries

New Zealand’s squad has been hit hard with several key players already sidelined:

  • Mohammad Abbas – ribs
  • Finn Allen – foot
  • Lockie Ferguson – hamstring
  • Adam Milne – ankle
  • Will O’Rourke – back
  • Glenn Phillips – groin
  • Ben Sears – hamstring

Former captain Kane Williamson was also not considered for the ODI squad after sustaining a minor groin niggle against England. Team management opted to give him extra recovery time ahead of the Test series.

Also read: Bumrah Apology to Bavuma Kolkata Test Incident

Why Mitchell Will Miss the 2nd ODI

During the first ODI, Mitchell’s groin injury flared up while batting. His century powered New Zealand to a competitive 269/7, but he did not return to the field for West Indies’ chase—raising immediate concerns about his fitness.

NZC confirmed that scans will determine his participation in the remaining matches.

Conclusion

Daryl Mitchell’s injury has come at a crucial moment for New Zealand, who are already battling a long injury list. The inclusion of Henry Nicholls brings experience and form to the squad, but the BlackCaps will miss Mitchell’s reliability in the middle order as they aim to secure the ODI series against the West Indies.

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