Check India vs New Zealand Playing XI for 4th ODI: Big Changes in Both Teams

The first three matches of the India vs New Zealand ODI series are now behind us, and attention turns to the fourth and fifth ODIs. What makes this stage interesting is that both teams announced separate squads for the opening three matches and the final two games.

The opening contests produced competitive cricket, but India came out on top in both completed matches. With the third ODI washed out in Hamilton, India lead the series 2-0. Now, both squads have undergone several changes before the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on November 13.

India will be without captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper KL Rahul, who will prepare for the Test series. Shreyas Iyer takes over the captaincy, with Ishan Kishan as his deputy.

New Zealand will also miss important batting names, including Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, as their Test players move into preparation for the longer format. However, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were initially due to leave after the third ODI, have been retained for the fourth match.

With so many changes, the big question for fans is how both teams will line up.

Rohit Sharma is expected to open alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Virat Kohli continuing at No. 3. Gill’s absence creates an opportunity for Gaikwad at the top, while Kishan could take a middle-order role.

Kishan is likely to bat at No. 4, with captain Iyer moving down to No. 5. This introduces a left-hander after three right-handed batters. Kishan provides that variation without India needing to promote Axar Patel up the order.

India also have the option of opening with Kishan and Rohit, allowing Gaikwad to bat in the middle order. However, Rohit and Gaikwad look the more likely opening pair.

Axar follows Iyer at No. 6, with Naman Dhir at No. 7. Their presence gives India batting depth and additional bowling options.

Mohammed Siraj is part of the updated squad and could now get a place in the XI. The expected pace attack features Siraj alongside Arshdeep Singh, Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar.

This gives India four specialist fast bowlers, with Axar providing the main spin option and Naman offering support. Kuldeep Yadav remains available but is likely to miss out if India choose this four-pacer attack.

New Zealand’s batting will look considerably different without Mitchell and Phillips. Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and Nathan Smith have also left the ODI group for Test preparation.

Will Young and Tim Seifert are the expected openers, followed by Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft and Mitch Hay. Finn Allen is available in the squad, but Young and Seifert are more likely to get the opening slots.

Michael Bracewell and captain Mitchell Santner provide experience in the lower middle order, along with their spin bowling.

The more encouraging development for New Zealand is the availability of Henry and Jamieson. Henry has been targeting a return in the fourth ODI after being reassessed following his collision with Devon Conway. His selection remains dependent on being ready to return.

Jamieson’s presence gives the hosts another established fast-bowling option. His height and bounce could challenge India’s batting, including Rohit and Iyer. Alongside Henry, Matt Fisher and Jacob Duffy, he would form a four-man pace attack.

India look stronger overall, particularly in the batting department. Despite losing Gill and Rahul for the final two games, they still have Rohit, Kohli and Iyer, with Gaikwad and Kishan expected to step into the XI.

Kohli’s presence alone adds considerable strength and experience to the batting order. New Zealand, meanwhile, must replace several established ODI batters at the same time.

The hosts’ batting had already struggled against India’s bowling in the opening matches. Losing key players now makes their task harder, even though Henry and Jamieson strengthen the attack.

India enter this contest as favourites. A victory would give them a 3-0 lead and seal the series with one match remaining.

The final teams will be confirmed at the toss. The fourth ODI starts at 7:30 AM IST on November 13.