IND vs NZ 4th T20: The fourth match of the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand is to be played on October 30. By winning the first three matches, the Indian team has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. Now Team India will aim to increase its lead to 4-0 by winning the fourth match. Meanwhile, the discussion has intensified regarding possible changes in the playing eleven of the Indian team. Former cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Aakash Chopra have given their opinion regarding the team combination.
Ashwin raised questions on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's place
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Bhuvneshwar Kumar may be kept out of the playing eleven in the upcoming matches. During the discussion on his YouTube channel, he said that considering Bhuvi's performance, any spinner or fast bowler Mayank Yadav can be given a chance in his place.
However, Ashwin also described the field conditions as important. According to him, the initial matches were played on big grounds, where the role of spinners could be important. But the further matches are to be played on smaller grounds, so the team management will have to keep these conditions in mind while choosing the bowling combination.
Aakash Chopra supported Bhuvi
Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra had a different opinion about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He says that Bhuvi, who has returned to the team after a long time, should get continuous opportunities, so that he can prove his ability. According to Chopra, the team management should also consider giving opportunities to players under rotation at this time.
He suggested to rest Arshdeep Singh for the fourth T20 and include Mayank Yadav in his place in the playing eleven. Chopra said that Mayank had bowled well in the first match and he should get the opportunity again. He also said that considering the conditions in Auckland, it was not necessary to include an extra spinner.
What will be the impact of Ishan Kishan's return on Vaibhav?
The biggest question before the fourth match is about the fitness of Ishan Kishan. He was not available in the initial matches due to injury. The BCCI had earlier reported a low-grade adductor strain in his right thigh. However, speculation has intensified regarding his possible comeback after taking batting practice in the nets in Auckland. Official confirmation on his fitness is awaited.
If Ishan returns fully fit, then the team management will face the question of making a place in the playing eleven. Especially there will be discussion about young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 45 runs in 19 balls in the last match and made a partnership of 133 runs for the first wicket with Abhishek Sharma. After his performance, keeping him out will not be an easy decision.
Youth may get a chance in the fourth T20
The Indian team, which has already won the series, has an opportunity to test the players sitting on the bench. Akash Chopra has also talked about giving opportunities to the youth in such competitions. According to his suggestion, India can make changes in the fast bowling attack by giving a chance to Mayank Yadav.
India's probable playing eleven: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Verma, Naman Dheer, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav.
However, the decision of the final eleven will depend on the fitness of the players, the pitch and the strategy of the team management.