Captain Kane Williamson will play no part in the Blackcaps' World Cup opener against England next Thursday.
Williamson is recovering from surgery to repair the torn ACL he suffered during the opening match of the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
Before departing for India on Wednesday, he said he hoped to have "some involvement" in New Zealand's two warm-up matches, raising hopes he'd be available against the English.
Williamson will play as a batsman-only in Friday's first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad, with the aim of batting and fielding in Monday's second and final warm-up against South Africa in Trivandrum.
But coach Gary Stead says they'll take a cautious approach to the batter's official return to the international stage.
"Right from the start we've taken a long-term view on Kane's return to play," said Stead.
"His recovery is tracking well and it's now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket.
"We'll continue to take a day by day approach to Kane's rehabilitation and certainly won't be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready."
The Blackcaps are also closely monitoring the progress of Tim Southee's recovery from surgery to repair a broken thumb. Stead says they're "very hopeful" the veteran seamer will be on deck for their clash with the reigning world champions next week.
Tom Latham will captain the side against Pakistan in Hyderabad which starts at 9:30pm (NZ time). The match will not be broadcast in New Zealand.
