Kane Williamson is set to miss the first Test against India in Bengaluru due to a groin strain he picked during the series against Sri Lanka. His departure from New Zealand has been held up awaiting his rehabilitation. New Zealand has summoned Mark Chapman for its three-Test tour of India. The tour starts on October 16. Tom Latham is likely to captain the side since Tim Southee relinquished the captain's job following New Zealand's 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka. The side will be the same as it was for the Sri Lanka tour, although Michael Bracewell is likely to play only the first Test and return home for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi takes over for him from the second and third Tests. Williamson's absence is going to be a blow for New Zealand, mainly because he has played in Indian conditions and the batting mishaps recently witnessed by the side in Sri Lanka. His discomfort during the second Test in Galle wouldn't allow him the time to recover before rejoining the team, which would otherwise join later in the series. Selector Sam Wells was hoping Williamson would be fit for the later games. Chapman's selection might just mean that he will make his Test debut as he has so far featured in 78 white-ball games for New Zealand. But Chapman does not have much first-class experience, apart from his ton for New Zealand A against India A last year. He also had a good run in the Plunket Shield last season. Also Read | Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai? India’s Qualification Could Change Venue Wells said: "The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour. He added: "While it's obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series." Former spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, will also accompany the New Zealand team in its India tour and remain in this role as a spin-bowling coach. Squad of New Zealand for India Tests Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young