- India have already clinched the five-match T20I series
- Sanju Samson has struggled, scoring 10, 6, and 0 in three innings
- Axar Patel is fit again and could return to the playing XI
- India may rest senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah
- New Zealand are searching for answers ahead of the T20 World Cup
India will take on New Zealand in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday (28) at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, with the hosts already assured of the series after three emphatic wins. While the series result is no longer in doubt, selection questions remain, most notably about opener Sanju Samson.
Samson has endured a difficult run in the series, scoring 10, 6, and 0 in three innings. The right-hander has looked uncomfortable at the crease, with his long-standing weakness against inswinging deliveries once again exposed by New Zealand’s pace attack. With the pressure of the series off, India’s team management must now decide whether to persist with Samson at the top or use the remaining games to test alternatives.
India are expected to rotate their squad, especially with workload management in mind. All-rounder Axar Patel, who injured his hand while fielding in the opening T20I in Nagpur, returned to full training on the eve of the match. He completed an extensive net session, bowling and batting without discomfort, and could come back into the XI. If Axar plays, Hardik Pandya—who has featured in all three matches so far—may be rested.
The bowling unit could also see changes. Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh are in contention for a return after missing the third T20I in Guwahati. India may even consider resting Jasprit Bumrah, given the heavy workload he has carried, with young fast bowler Harshit Rana waiting for an opportunity.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have far bigger concerns. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the visitors’ form has raised alarms. Their batting lineup has lacked consistency, and their bowling attack has struggled to apply pressure, resulting in one-sided defeats in all three matches so far.
The Kiwis are expected to tinker with their batting order in search of stability. Daryl Mitchell, one of their most reliable batters, could be promoted higher up the order, possibly to No. 3 or even as an opener alongside Tim Seifert. Devon Conway, who has been out of form, may be dropped or pushed down the order. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman are also competing for key middle-order roles, while Glenn Phillips is likely to bat at No. 6.
New Zealand has already released Kristian Clarke and Tim Robinson from the squad for the final two matches. Finn Allen has been drafted in but has yet to arrive from the Big Bash League. On the bowling front, Lockie Ferguson could be rotated out as the team considers Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson.
With India using the match to test depth and New Zealand desperate to restore pride, the fourth T20I offers a different dynamic. While the series outcome is settled, individual performances, particularly from players like Sanju Samson—will be closely watched as both teams look ahead to bigger challenges.
