New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match: India are expected to make a few changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Vizag on Wednesday, January 28, 2025. The Men in Blue hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and have been clear about rotating players as part of their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. A similar approach is likely to continue in the upcoming match.
India rested Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy in the previous game, and more changes could follow. Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested, with the team management earlier indicating that he would feature only in selected matches of the series. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to continue as openers. Samson, however, is under pressure after a run of low scores and will be keen to make a strong contribution to secure his place.
Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav are set to form the middle-order core, having been in good form throughout the series. Hardik Pandya, who has played all three matches so far, could be given a break. Axar Patel, who has recovered from a finger injury sustained earlier in the series, is likely to come into the XI in his place. Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are expected to retain their spots, with Dube possibly taking on additional bowling duties if Pandya is rested.
In the bowling attack, Harshit Rana is likely to continue, while Arshdeep Singh could return if Bumrah is rested. The team management may also prefer Kuldeep Yadav over Ravi Bishnoi, keeping the focus on preparing players who are part of India’s T20 World Cup plans. Varun Chakaravarthy could also return after being rested in the previous match.
As the series outcome already sealed, India are expected to use the remaining games to test combinations and manage workloads ahead of the global event next year.
India’s predicted playing XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
