With the five-match series already sealed, India will aim to fine-tune combinations and address bowling concerns ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup when they face New Zealand in the fourth T20 International at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Wednesday, January 28.
India’s 3-0 lead in the series has been powered by dominant batting performances, but the margin of victory has also hidden some unresolved areas — particularly in the spin department. With only two matches remaining before attention shifts to future assignments, the fourth T20I offers a low-pressure environment to experiment and refine strategies.
India’s batting has been the standout feature of the series. The top order of Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan has completely dismantled New Zealand’s bowling.
Abhishek Sharma is striking at over 300 in the series
Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are operating at strike rates close to 230
India chased 363 runs in the last two matches in just 25.2 overs
With Visakhapatnam expected to offer a batting-friendly surface and dew likely later in the evening, India’s aggressive approach is unlikely to change.
Kuldeep Yadav has taken only two wickets in two matches, conceding nearly 9.5 runs per over
Varun Chakravarthy, rested in the third T20I, has struggled for breakthroughs in high-scoring games
Ravi Bishnoi’s impressive figures of 4-0-18-2 at Guwahati could prompt the management to rotate Kuldeep and bring Chakravarthy back into the XI.
Axar Patel has not featured since the series opener due to a finger injury. His availability could significantly influence the team balance.
Sanju Samson has managed just 16 runs in three matches despite opening. With Tilak Varma still sidelined, Samson may get another opportunity, but a reshuffle — possibly moving Ishan Kishan to open — remains an option.
Sanju Samson (w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
New Zealand’s tour has been challenging, particularly for their bowlers.
Jacob Duffy has been the most economical, despite conceding over 10 runs per over
Senior bowlers Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, and Ish Sodhi have all struggled with high economy rates
A batting reshuffle could be on the cards, with Daryl Mitchell a candidate for promotion. However, without a sharp improvement in bowling execution, tactical changes alone may not be enough to stop India’s momentum.
Batting-friendly surface with even bounce
Short boundaries increase scoring opportunities
Dew expected in the second innings
Toss likely to play a crucial role, favouring teams chasing
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana
Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Zak Foulkes, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Match Date: Wednesday, January 28
Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Toss Time: 6:30 pm IST
Match Start Time: 7:00 pm IST
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