India Playing XI vs New Zealand Playing XI – 4th T20I, New Zealand tour of India 2026

India Playing XI vs New Zealand Playing XI – 4th T20I, New Zealand tour of India 2026

India vs New Zealand: Preview of the Fourth T20I Match

India Prepares to Extend Dominance in the Fourth T20I

As the fourth T20I match between India and New Zealand approaches, fans are eager to see if the home team can continue its dominant performance in the series. India has been in top form, showcasing exceptional batting and bowling skills in the previous matches. New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after losing momentum following their victory in the ODI series.

The upcoming match at Visakhapatnam stadium on January 28 is crucial for New Zealand to regain confidence and motivation. With only two matches left in the series, the fourth and fifth games have turned into a prestige fight for the Kiwi team.

Predicted Playing XIs for India and New Zealand

India is likely to make changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are expected to open the innings, with Sharma replacing Sanju Samson due to his recent poor form. In the middle order, players like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube are anticipated to make significant contributions. The bowling unit, consisting of Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, has been performing exceptionally well.

The New Zealand playing XI may see Devon Conway and Tim Seifert open the innings, with middle-order batsmen like Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell aiming to stabilize the team’s performance. The bowling lineup, led by Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy, will face the challenge of containing the strong Indian batting lineup.

Key Players to Watch

For India, Ishan Kishan’s performance at the top of the order will be crucial, along with the experienced Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, aiming to maintain his impressive form. New Zealand will rely on Conway, Phillips, and Mitchell to deliver with the bat, while Santner and Jamieson will be key in the bowling department.

As the teams gear up for the fourth T20I encounter, fans can expect an exciting match filled with thrilling performances and intense competition. Both India and New Zealand will be looking to make a statement in this crucial fixture as they strive for victory in the series.

Analysis of Previous Matches

Looking back at the previous matches in the series, India has clearly dominated with their strong batting lineup and formidable bowling attack. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have played crucial innings, while bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah have consistently taken wickets at crucial moments. New Zealand, on the other hand, has struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the T20 format where quick scoring is essential.

One of the key factors in India’s success has been their ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. The Indian team has shown flexibility in their batting order, with players like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube stepping up when needed. This adaptability has allowed India to maintain pressure on the opposition and control the game effectively.

Pressure on New Zealand

As the series progresses, the pressure is mounting on New Zealand to perform and salvage some pride. After a disappointing run in the ODI series, the Kiwi team is eager to prove themselves in the T20 format. Players like Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips will need to step up and provide stability to the middle order, which has been a weak point for New Zealand in the series so far.

Additionally, New Zealand’s bowling unit will have to come together to contain the explosive Indian batting lineup. Mitchell Santner’s experience will be crucial in guiding the young bowlers like Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi in applying pressure on the Indian batsmen and taking crucial wickets.

Home Advantage for India

Playing in familiar conditions at the Visakhapatnam stadium, India holds the advantage of home support and a better understanding of the pitch and weather conditions. This familiarity could give them an edge over New Zealand, who will have to adapt quickly to the conditions in order to put up a fight in the fourth T20I match.

Moreover, the momentum is firmly on India’s side, with the team riding high on confidence after their dominant performances in the series so far. The Indian players will be looking to carry forward their winning streak and maintain their supremacy over New Zealand in the upcoming match.

Final Thoughts

As the fourth T20I match between India and New Zealand looms closer, the stage is set for an intense battle between two competitive teams. While India aims to extend their dominance and clinch the series, New Zealand is determined to turn the tide and make a strong comeback.

With key players on both sides ready to showcase their skills and determination, fans can anticipate an exciting match filled with suspense and thrilling moments. The fourth T20I promises to be a spectacle of cricketing excellence as India and New Zealand lock horns in a bid to emerge victorious.

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