New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Conway was taken to an emergency department for further examination after taking a blow to the head. Medical assessments subsequently confirmed the concussion, forcing the team to withdraw him from the opening match of the series.

The loss of Conway adds to a growing injury list for the touring side. Senior batters Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra have already been ruled out of the entire ODI series due to their respective fitness concerns.

Chapman is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme to recover from a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Ravindra remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a persistent shoulder problem that has kept him sidelined.

The absence of three key top-order players presents a significant challenge for New Zealand as they prepare to face India. The team management is expected to announce replacements or adjustments to the playing XI ahead of the first match.

New Zealand will look to manage their remaining squad depth carefully as they navigate the ODI series without several experienced campaigners. The focus remains on player welfare following the latest medical assessment of Conway.