The Indian cricket team faced New Zealand in the fourth T20I at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to field first. India had already secured the five-match series with a 3-0 lead from the previous matches. The focus was on maintaining momentum and strategy as they approached this game.
Captain’s Strategy for the Match
During the toss, Yadav expressed confidence in their decision to bowl first, citing a good wicket and anticipated dew conditions. He noted the humidity, which would likely benefit batters in the second innings. The captain emphasized the team’s commitment to uphold the positive habits developed over the previous year and to enjoy the game in front of a supportive crowd.
Impact of Ishan Kishan’s Absence
Notably, Ishan Kishan was replaced by Arshdeep Singh due to a minor injury sustained in the last match. Kishan’s absence was felt deeply as he had been a crucial player in the series, ranking as the fourth-highest run-scorer. He totaled 112 runs across three T20Is with an impressive strike rate of 224.00 and an average of 37.33.
Kishan’s Performance in the Series
- Match 1: 8 runs
- Match 2: 76 runs off 32 balls
- Match 3: 28 runs off 13 balls
Kishan’s explosive innings included a remarkable 76 runs that helped India chase down a target of 209 in just 15.2 overs during the second T20I. His contributions were vital in securing India’s dominance in the series.
Upcoming Matches and Player Recovery
Looking ahead, Yadav mentioned that Axar Patel was still recuperating and might return in the next match. The captain appealed for his batters to take responsibility while also encouraging them to maintain a fearless approach at the crease.
Playing XI for Both Teams
| India | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Tim Seifert (w) |
| Sanju Samson (w) | Devon Conway |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Rachin Ravindra |
| Rinku Singh | Glenn Phillips |
| Hardik Pandya | Mark Chapman |
| Shivam Dube | Daryl Mitchell |
| Harshit Rana | Mitchell Santner (c) |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Zakary Foulkes |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Matt Henry |
| Arshdeep Singh | Ish Sodhi |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Jacob Duffy |
This match represents a continuing effort for India to solidify their position in T20 cricket, aiming for another victory despite the challenge posed by the absence of Ishan Kishan.
