Bracewell joins IPL side Bangalore, Ravindra brought into NZ squad

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Michael Bracewell will miss New Zealand’s one-day international series against Sri Lanka, after he was signed by Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra will take Bracewell’s spot in the Black Caps squad for the three-match series, which begins on March 25 and ends on March 31, the same day the 2023 IPL season kicks off.

Ravindra will assemble with the ODI squad in Auckland on Wednesday, ahead of the first match of the series at Eden Park on Saturday March 25.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the news provided opportunities for both players.

“Michael’s been a key contributor to our white ball teams since making his debut last year. It’s exciting he’ll get a chance to take up the learning opportunities the IPL provides – particularly as a spin bowling all-rounder,” Stead said.

“With a World Cup in India this year it’s great to have players getting more experience in those conditions.”

Bracewell is the latest addition to the list of New Zealand players who will be released early after the current test series ends on March 21, including Kane Williamson (Gujarat Titans), Tim Southee (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings).

Finn Allen (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Glenn Phillips (Sunrisers Hyderabad) will leave the squad after the first ODI.

Bracewell joins Bangalore at his base auction price of 10 million Indian rupees ($193,000 NZ), a third of the 32 million Indian rupees that the franchise had paid for England’s Will Jacks, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Stead said he had been impressed by the way Ravindra had continued to develop with bat and ball this season across all formats.

“This will be another good chance for him to spend time in the Black Caps environment.”

Ravindra has played Twenty20 and Test cricket for New Zealand but is uncapped in One Day Internationals.