New Zealand have suffered a big blow as their star all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026. The injury occurred after he aggravated a tear in his left calf during warm-ups. Bracewell had only recently completed a rehabilitation program for the same injury, which he originally sustained during the third ODI against India last month.
Michael Bracewell ruled out of T20 World Cup
Following the setback, medical scans confirmed the severity of the injury. Experts expect his recovery to take approximately three weeks before he can return to competitive play, effectively ending his participation in the ongoing tournament. In his absence, the Black Caps have called upon Canterbury Kings captain Cole McConchie to travel to India as a reserve player, joining pace bowler Ben Sears in the dugout.
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Cole McConchie comes in as Bracewell's raplacement
McConchie, an off-spinning all-rounder, earns his recall after last representing the national side in April 2024. He joins the squad in peak form, having recently led the Kings' bowling attack in the domestic T20 circuit with 14 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.71. Expressing the team's sentiment, head coach Rob Walter noted his sadness for Bracewell, acknowledging the frustration of losing such a versatile player to a recurring injury.
“We’re all feeling for Michael. It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him. Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back. We wish him a smooth recovery," Walter told media.
Cole McConchie is scheduled to join the national squad on February 13, as the team prepares for the next phase of the tournament. His arrival provides much-needed coverage for the Black Caps' spin-bowling department following the unfortunate departure of Michael Bracewell. The timing of his arrival is critical, as New Zealand is set to face South Africa in their third Group D fixture just one day later, on Saturday, February 14.
Notably, New Zealand have won their first two matches in the ongoing tournament. They first defeated Afghanistan by five wickets and then doubled it up with a crushing 10-wicket victory over UAE.