Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the first two ODIs against India as he continues to recover from an inflamed AC joint niggle in his left-shoulder. Tom Latham will lead in his absence and Mark Chapman will take his place in the side.

While X-ray scans have "cleared him of anything serious", Williamson is expected to ease himself back into training with the aim to be ready for the third ODI on February 11.

"It's best for his recovery that he avoids aggravating the joint for the next few days," team physio Vijay Vallabh said in a statement. "He will continue his fitness training sessions throughout the week and will start batting again on Friday with the prospect of being available for game three next Tuesday."

Williamson's injury is an opportunity for Chapman to impress. The 25-year-old former Hong Kong batsman who now plays for Auckland Aces is coming off a first-class century in the drawn first four-dayer against India A in Christchurch last week.

Prior to that, he had scored a match-winning century for New Zealand A in their 3-2 one-day series win over India A.

This will be a comeback of sorts for Chapman, the left-hand batsman who last played for New Zealand two years ago. He had a forgettable debut series against England where he made scores of 1, 8 and 0.

"It's disappointing for Kane, but with so much important cricket still ahead this summer we must take a safety first approach," chief selectoe Gavin Larsen said. "It's great to welcome Mark back into the one-day unit off the back of consecutive centuries for New Zealand A against a strong India A side.

"Mark's a versatile player who can cover multiple batting positions and his fielding is a real upshot to have in the squad."

Williamson injured himself during the third T20I last week and subsequently missed the remaining two matches. Tim Southee led New Zealand in his absence.