India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Preview - Selection Battles, Probable XIs and Key Stats

India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Preview - Selection Battles, Probable XIs and Key Stats

The main storylines for the fourth India vs New Zealand T20I in Visakhapatnam center on India's selection dilemmas as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup and New Zealand's attempts to find tactical consistency despite a series loss. Selection Battles and Squad Honing for India

With India leading the series 3-0, the team has shifted its focus from winning the series to honing their squad for the shortest format's upcoming World Cup.

• The Samson vs Kishan Debate: The primary narrative for India is the competition for the wicketkeeper-batter slot. Sanju Samson has struggled for form at the top of the order, scoring only 10, 6, and 0 in the first three matches. In contrast, Ishan Kishan, who entered the side due to Tilak Varma’s injury, has been in excellent form, smashing 76 off 32 and 28 off 13 in his recent outings. While bowling coach Morne Morkel maintains that Samson is "one knock away" from regaining his form, the pressure is mounting as Kishan presents a strong case to remain in the XI even when Varma returns.

• Abhishek Sharma’s Dominance: Young opener Abhishek Sharma is a major talking point, having redefined T20 batting limits with a strike rate of 202.20 since the start of 2025. His recent 14-ball half-century has cemented his role as a high-impact player.

• Squad Rotation: India is expected to continue rotating personnel. Axar Patel is likely to return from a hand injury, while Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy may be brought back into the XI to rest players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi.

New Zealand: Reinforcements and Tactical Rejigging

For the visitors, the focus is on looking at the "bigger picture" and ending a losing streak that has seen them drop nine consecutive completed T20Is against top-tier teams like India, Australia, and England.

• Key Returns: New Zealand is receiving significant reinforcements. Lockie Ferguson is set to make his first appearance for the national side since November 2024 following a calf injury. James Neesham has also joined the squad and is in contention to play.

• Batting Order Changes: There is a push to move the in-form Daryl Mitchell up the order to face more deliveries, especially given the struggles of openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway.

• Long-term Preparation: Despite the series loss, New Zealand’s coaching staff, including Jacob Oram, emphasized that the team historically "peaks well during ICC events" and is prioritizing long-term development over immediate results.

Probable XIs

India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya/Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi/Vaun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.

Key Statistical Milestones

Several individual achievements are within reach during this contest

• Ish Sodhi is five wickets away from overtaking Tim Southee to become New Zealand's leading T20I wicket-taker.

• Suryakumar Yadav needs 41 runs to reach 3,000 career T20I runs, which would make him only the third Indian to reach this milestone.

• Mark Chapman is just 29 runs away from reaching 2,000 T20I runs.

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