New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra’s injury concern looms ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 as the New Zealand head coach Gary Stead provided an important update on his fitness ahead of the ODI tri-series final against Pakistan on Friday,

A hamstring tear has forced out fast bowler Ben Sears from this month's Champions Trophy, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Friday, while all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has eased back into training after being struck in the face by the ball in a fielding mishap.

Injured Black Caps opener Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the tri-series tournament final against hosts Pakistan, while pace bowler Lockie Ferguson remains in doubt. Coach Gary Stead revealed Ravindra has “had a headache for a few days” since suffering a nasty blow to the forehead when he spilled a chance in the outfield in the tournament-opening win over Pakistan in Lahore last week.

Pakistan cricketer Tayyab Tahir weighed in on the entire incident and felt the lights were not at fault for Rachin's injury due to the elevation of the ball.

Rachin Ravindra suffered lacerations on his forehead and received stitches, New Zealand cricket said in a press release. Pakistan star Ahmad Shehzad came down heavily on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and said the three stadiums in Pakistan aren't ready properly.

New Zealand say Rachin Ravindra is recovering well after taking a ball full in the face during a warm-up match for the Champions Trophy against Pakistan in Lahore. The allrounder was left bloodied by the blow to his forehead after losing sight of the ball in the floodlights as he attempted a catch in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings on Saturday.

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has eased back into training after being struck in the face by the ball in a fielding mishap but he still has concussion protocols to pass before returning to the field,

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead gives an update on the injury concerns of key players Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.