IND vs NZ: 3 changes India could make for 4th T20I in Vizag
(Courtesy : BCCI)
India have already sealed the IND vs NZ series after their three dominating performances in the first three games.
India secured the T20I series against New Zealand by winning the third T20I in Guwahati. The Men in Blue chased down the target of 154 runs in just 10 overs with Abhishek Sharma scoring 68 off just 20 balls and captain Suryakumar Yadav slamming his second half-century of the series.
The Indian batting has clicked so far this series, with the top-order batters barring Sanju Samson contributing in every match. In the middle-order, all-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have contributed with both bat and ball as well.
The bowling lineup is also looking like a well-oiled machine with everyone chipping in. In the third T20I, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets and Ravi Bishnoi, who replaced Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI, took 2/18 off his four overs. Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana were also amongst wickets.
The series has been a fruitful one for the Indian team so far, especially after losing the ODI series against the same opposition. The T20I series was seen as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the Indian team has ticked every box so far.
The T20I series now moves to Vizag with the fourth T20I on Wednesday, January 28. Having won the T20I series, the management might look to make a few changes, especially in the bowling attack. The changes might be tactical and a part of the bowler’s workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. In this article, we preview three changes India could make for the IND vs NZ 4th T20I in Vizag.
3 changes India might make in Vizag for 4th IND vs NZ T20I
1) Axar Patel in place of Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel, who sustained an injury to his bowling hand, might return to the playing XI instead of Hardik Pandya. Axar had a long practice session where he batted and bowled in the nets and looked good to return. He might replace Hardik Pandya in the XI, who played the first three games of the series.
The management might look to rest the seasoned all-rounder ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, as he will be key to India’s hopes in the ICC event. Having won the series, it gives the management room to rest Hardik.
2) Arshdeep Singh in place of Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana played the second and third T20Is for India. He took one wicket each in the two games for his side. Arshdeep, who missed the third T20I, had a long practice session as well and could come back into the XI in place of Rana. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah should keep his place in the side after winning the Player of the Match in the third T20I.
Playing Arshdeep and Bumrah together gives the Indian team a right-arm and a left-arm option. Also, this allows Suryakumar Yadav to hold back Bumrah’s overs after the powerplay, like he has done so far in the series. Arshdeep has invariably taken wickets for India inside the powerplay and would like to continue his good work in the fourth game.
3) Varun Chakravarthy in place of Ravi Bishnoi
Varun Chakravarthy was rested in the third T20I as a part of India’s rotational policy for the bowlers and testing different bowling combinations. His replacement, Ravi Bishnoi, made a mark in the game by picking up two wickets for 18 runs in the game. Bishnoi was roped in as Washington Sundar’s replacement for the T20I series against the Kiwis.
However, Varun is a part of India’s plans for the T20 World Cup and a member of their first-choice XI for the ICC event. Hence, he is likely to return into the XI instead of Bishnoi, who will have to make way for him despite his good returns in the third T20I.
Where will be the fourth IND vs NZ T20I played?
The IND vs NZ fourth T20I will be played in Vizag on January 28, Wednesday.
Who won the third IND vs NZ T20I?
India won the third T20I by 8 wickets, chasing 154 to win in just 10 overs.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Anshuman Roy is a senior cricket journalist with nearly a decade of experience covering the game. His love for cricket began in childhood, playing at school and college level before turning that passion into a profession. Over the years, he has written for several reputed media houses and specialises in news, features, previews, reviews, match reports, and opinion pieces.