The 4th T20I between India and New Zealand There were tactical changes at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam as the hosts looked to protect their 3-0 lead. captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss on a windy coastal evening and elected to bowl first, again considering the heavy dew factor that characterized this series.
With the series already in the bag, the Indian team management is using these final fixtures as a high-stakes audition. T20 World Cup 2026. It resulted in a significant shake-up at the top of the order aimed at solving the team’s only remaining selection dilemma before the global tournament begins next month.
IND vs NZ: Why Ishan Kishan ruled out for 4th T20I in Vizag
The main point of discussion during the shooting was the lack of in-form Ishan Kishiwas the standout performer of the series with 112 runs in three innings. Captain Suryakumar confirmed that Kishan a ‘niggle’ In the previous match in Guwahati, the management was rested as a mere precaution with the World Cup less than two weeks away. In his place, the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh The five-way specialist returned to the playing XI, effectively shortening the batting order to favor the bowling attack.
This means slippage Sanju Samson will likely pick up the gloves and continue to open the innings together Abhishek SharmaIt presents a high-pressure make-or-break opportunity for Samson to find his rhythm after a series of low scores. with Akhar Patel still recovering from a finger injury and Shreyas Iyer the burden left on the bench falls to Suryakumar’s middle order, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh To make up for Kisha’s missing firepower. Inclusion of Arshdeep jasprit bumrah and Harshit Rana It signals India’s intent to master death-bowling combinations on a surface that has historically been a ‘fruit paradise’ under lights.
“Arshdeep replaces Ishan Kishi, who was upset in the last game.” Suryakumar said during the shoot.
Also READ: Arshdeep Singh OUT of India’s XI for T20 World Cup 2026, Mohammad Kaif announces squad
New Zealand’s changing tactics for 4th T20I under Mitchell Santner
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner entered the 4th T20I with a mixture of optimism and tactical tweaks, admitting that while their core group had come together, they were still missing important pieces of the puzzle. The Black Caps make one change to the 11, with Zachary Foulkes returning to the side. Kyle Jamiesona move designed to add variety to the pace of attack on board Vizag on the coast.
Santner confirmed this stellar speed Loki Ferguson he still isn’t available as he manages his heal while detonating explosives Find Allen Both are expected to be available only for the final game or the World Cup. Despite losing the series, the Kiwis are looking at these remaining fixtures as key acclimatization games, with Santner noting that humid conditions and dew-filled pitches are what they will encounter during the global tournament. based on experience Daryl Mitchell and Glenn PhillipsNew Zealand are desperate to end their losing streak and avoid a 5-0 upset even as they wait to reassemble their full-strength bowling arsenal for their final dress practice in Thiruvananthapuram.
“Loki is still out and Finn (Allen) is on the way, so we still have a couple of additions. But the roles are pretty clear and we’ll probably get similar wickets in the World Cup. One change is Foulkes coming in for Jamieson. Loki and Finn are still a bit away, but it’s good to have them back. Santner said.
Also READ: Not Abhishek Sharma! Dale Steyn predicts T20 World Cup 2026 leading run-scorer
