New Zealand could lose Kane Williamson for the three-Test series against India as the star batter is down with a groin injury. He sustained the injury during the second test against Sri Lanka.

According to selector Sam Wells, Williamson will miss the initial part of the India tour and remain in New Zealand to work on his rehabilitation.

This is a big concern for Black Caps, who have struggled in the longest format of the game.

“We can’t take risk with Kane Williamson and will follow the suggestions of the medical staff,” Well said.

Although he is hopeful of Kane’s return in the latter half of the series, his absence will impact New Zealand’s chances against India’s National Cricket Team.

New Zealand has called up uncapped all-rounder Mark Chapman as a cover for Kane Williamson. Chapman plays spin well and has done well in white-ball cricket.s

With his experience in subcontinent conditions, Chapman will look to score heavily against the Rohit Sharma-led team.

“We believe Mark is a good player of the spin bowling and has an impressive track record in the sub-continent,” Wells added.

New Zealand was recently whitewashed by Sri Lanka in the two-test series. It has never won a red-ball series in India.

Opener Tom Latham is the new Test captain after Tim Southee left the post following the series debacle in Sri Lanka.

Michael Bracewell will play only the first test in Bengaluru and then return to New Zealand for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will replace Bracewell for the games in Pune and Mumbai.