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Live sport on SN this weekendWATCH: Rob Walter speaks ahead of blockbuster Blackcaps summer vs India and Australia
Sport Nation • September 26th, 2026 6:00 am
Blackcaps coach Rob Walter | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
With ticket sales already breaking records ahead of India's tour of New Zealand, Sport Nation's Alex Chapman sat down with Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter at NZ Cricket HQ to discuss squad selection, injury updates, and the tactical preparation required for the months ahead.
A primary topic on the agenda was the unfortunate injury sustained by Rachin Ravindra during a recent promotional shoot. While Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series, Walter remains optimistic about his recovery.
"It's unfortunate... you never want to lose one of your players," Walter said.
"It seems like he's recovered fairly quickly so far, so we will be hopeful that he's back for the ODI series. We won't be pushing him at all given the summer we've got ahead of us."
Ravindra’s absence leaves a key opening in the top order, particularly at No. 3.
Rachin Ravindra training at Bay Oval | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Walter highlighted several versatile options, including Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, while clarifying that promising young talent Bevon-John Jacobs will likely be developed further down the order.
"For Bev, we want to stick with him in the middle order and continue to give him opportunities in there, because I think that's the most realistic place he will play a role for this team moving forward," Walter explained.
The head coach also touched on the ongoing rehabilitation of paceman Ben Sears from an ankle injury, alongside the general challenge of managing fast bowler workloads with six consecutive Tests against India and Australia looming.
"As much as we try and manage workloads as best as we possibly can and make smart decisions around that, it can be tough," Walter noted.
"Our players want to play, and they're hungry to represent New Zealand - but any success we have over the next 12 to 18 months leading into a World Cup will be done as a collective."
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
On a brighter note, Walter praised the explosive top-order form of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen - dubbed the "Bash Bros" - praising Seifert's recent consistency on the global circuit and the dynamic balance the pair brings to the white-ball side.
With over 75,000 tickets already sold for the marquee series against India, enthusiasm for the national side is high.
"It speaks about the team a little bit," Walter said of the record fan interest in the tour beginning October 22.
"To see this growth in excitement around the team is a testament to the work the guys have put in... It's a great privilege, and it's about readying ourselves for the challenge ahead."
Watch the full interview below via the Sport Nation YouTube:
