India vs New Zealand 4th T20I: Team Selection and Squad Analysis Ahead of Vizag Clash
With the series already secured after three convincing victories, the Indian cricket team faces New Zealand in the fourth T20 International at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. This match presents an opportunity for experimentation and rotation as both sides prepare for future challenges.
India's Selection Dilemma: Samson's Opening Slot Under Scrutiny
The most pressing question for the Indian team management revolves around Sanju Samson's position at the top of the order. The wicketkeeper-batter has endured a difficult series, managing scores of just 10, 6, and 0 across the first three matches. His technical vulnerabilities against inswinging deliveries have been repeatedly exposed, raising questions about his suitability as an opener in the current setup.
With the series already won, India can afford to make strategic changes to their lineup. All-rounder Axar Patel, who suffered a hand injury during fielding in the Nagpur match, has returned to full training. He participated in an extensive net session on the eve of the match, testing both his batting and bowling capabilities. His potential return could see him replace Hardik Pandya, who might be rested after featuring in all three previous encounters.
Potential Bowling Rotations and Rest Opportunities
India's bowling department could also see significant changes. Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh, who missed the Guwahati game, are likely candidates to return to the playing eleven. There's even speculation that Jasprit Bumrah might be given a rest, with promising pacer Harshit Rana waiting for his opportunity to showcase his skills at the international level.
India's Predicted Playing XI:
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya/Axar Patel
- Rinku Singh
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ravi Bishnoi/Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana
New Zealand's Struggles and Required Adjustments
Meanwhile, New Zealand faces mounting concerns with the T20 World Cup approaching. Their performances have been underwhelming, with both batting and bowling departments failing to challenge the dominant Indian side. The Kiwis have been comprehensively outplayed in every aspect of the game throughout the series.
The visitors urgently need to reorganize their batting order. One crucial adjustment would involve promoting Daryl Mitchell higher up the lineup. As one of their most in-form batters, batting him below number four significantly reduces his impact. This could mean Rachin Ravindra, traditionally a top-order batter, might make way for Mitchell at number three.
New Zealand has already made squad changes, releasing Kristian Clarke and Tim Robinson for the final two matches. Aggressive opener Finn Allen, recently drafted into the squad, is yet to join the team from his Big Bash League commitments. Bowling changes are also expected, with Lockie Ferguson potentially making way for either Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson as the Kiwis seek to revitalize their attack.
New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI:
- Daryl Mitchell/Devon Conway
- Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Kyle Jamieson/Lockie Ferguson
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
Complete Squad Details for Both Teams
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke.
As both teams prepare for this encounter, India looks to maintain their winning momentum while testing bench strength, whereas New Zealand desperately seeks solutions to their ongoing struggles before the series concludes.
