New Zealand batter Tim Robinson has been surprisingly left out of the playing XI for the T20 International against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 18 (Friday), just days after delivering a match-winning performance against South Africa.
The 23-year-old right-hander had played a starring role in New Zealand’s victory over South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 57 balls – his career-best T20I score and his second half-century in the format. Robinson’s knock was part of a crucial 103-run sixth-wicket partnership with debutant Bevon-John Jacobs (44*), helping the Blackcaps recover from early trouble to post 173/5.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, went on to win that match by 21 runs. Robinson’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making his exclusion from the following game all the more surprising for fans and analysts alike.
Despite his standout contribution, Robinson was dropped for the T20I against Zimbabwe to make way for Rachin Ravindra, who returned from his stint in Major League Cricket (MLC). New Zealand made four changes in total, bringing in Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Adam Milne into the playing XI.
In an official media release, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) clarified the decision. Robinson was originally included in the squad as a cover player due to the absence of MLC-contracted players. His role was always temporary, stepping in only if first-choice players were unavailable. Now that Ravindra has returned and is fit to play, Robinson has resumed his position on the bench.
The update also noted that Mitchell Hay and James Neesham, who featured in the previous game, were also traveling as cover players. They will now return home along with Glenn Phillips, who has been ruled out of the series due to a groin injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.
While Robinson’s omission may seem harsh given his recent performance, the selection reflects New Zealand’s squad depth and rotation strategy, especially during a tightly packed international calendar.
