MUMBAI: Mitchell Santner, the white-ball captain of New Zealand national cricket team, has been ruled out of action for at least a month after scans confirmed a grade-three ACL shoulder injury.
The 34-year-old all-rounder returned to New Zealand earlier this week from Indian Premier League 2026, where he was representing Mumbai Indians. According to New Zealand Cricket, a specialist consultation on Friday confirmed that Santner will require a period of rest and rehabilitation.
Santner sustained the injury while fielding during a match against Chennai Super Kings on April 23. Despite the injury, he completed his bowling spell, taking 1 for 44, but did not bat in the match.
The injury is a significant setback for New Zealand, as Santner has been ruled out of the one-off Test against Ireland national cricket team scheduled for late May, as well as the first Test against England national cricket team at Lord’s in early June. His availability for the remaining matches in the England series will be assessed later.
New Zealand Cricket is expected to announce the squads for the Ireland and England tours in the coming days.
