Sodhi blow disrupts New Zealand’s plans for South Africa series

New Zealand have been dealt a significant setback with leg‑spinner Ish Sodhi ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa after breaking his thumb during a training session at Bay Oval on March 14. Scans confirmed the fracture, requiring at least a month of rest and ending his involvement before it began. Sodhi had already missed the opening match, where Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie handled spin duties in a seven‑wicket defeat.

The hosts will not name a replacement, confident that incoming quick Lockie Ferguson provides sufficient depth for the remaining fixtures. Additional squad changes are scheduled later in the series, with Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver and Jayden Lennox joining for games four and five, while Tom Latham will captain in Santner’s absence.

Coach Rob Walter lamented the loss of Sodhi’s experience, noting his passion and value in the T20 format. New Zealand resume the five‑match contest today, March 17, aiming to level the series.