India is set to take on New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Vizag, with a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series. As India prepares for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, they have been implementing a policy of resting and rotating players. In the last game, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were left out, and similar changes are expected for the fourth T20I.
The T20I squad for the New Zealand series includes players like Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shreyas Iyer.
Looking ahead to the fourth T20I, here is India’s predicted playing XI:
Openers: Sanju Samson (wk) and Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to continue opening the batting for India. Samson, in particular, will be looking to regain form with a good performance in this match.
Middle Order: Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, both in excellent form, will anchor the middle order. Axar Patel is likely to replace Hardik Pandya, who may be rested for this game. Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube will also feature in the middle order.
Lower Order: Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
If Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the fourth T20I, Arshdeep Singh could return to the XI alongside Harshit Rana. Varun Chakaravarthy is expected to replace Ravi Bishnoi in the side to ensure Kuldeep Yadav is in top form for the T20 World Cup.
With these changes in mind, India will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in the series against New Zealand. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two top cricketing nations.
