NEW DELHI: There were nine changes in the playing XIs as India and New Zealand made several changes for the fourth ODI of the five-match series at Mount Maunganui on Friday.New Zealand made six changes, while India brought in three players. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first.India are leading the series 2-0 after the third ODI in Hamilton was washed out due to rain.
India bring in Gaikwad, Kishan and Kuldeep
As expected, India handed opportunities to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav. Gaikwad will open the innings with Rohit Sharma after regular captain Shubman Gill was rested to prepare for the upcoming Test series.Kishan replaced KL Rahul, who will also join the team’s preparations for the two-match Test series.Kuldeep Yadav was the third change in the Indian playing XI.Speaking at the toss, Iyer said India wanted to make the most of the conditions and treat the remaining matches as important contests.“We will bowl first,” Iyer said.Iyer said the possibility of dew later in the evening was one of the main reasons behind India’s decision to bowl first.“Yes, absolutely. I think it’s about chasing, and when we looked at the wicket yesterday, there was a little bit amount of grass, but today it looks pretty dry, and also considering the dew coming in in the evening, one of the reasons we have opted to bowl first,” Iyer said.With India leading the series 2-0, Iyer said the team would treat the fourth and fifth ODIs as knockout games.He also praised the team’s approach despite the rain interruptions in the series.“Well, it’s important firstly to analyse the matches we’ve played before. We couldn’t get proper games, but still I think the approach and attitude was phenomenal, and coming into this one, we are going to definitely treat it as a knockout. So the coming two games, it’s going to be crucial and of cardinal importance,” Iyer said.
New Zealand make six changes
New Zealand made six changes to their playing XI, giving several players an opportunity to prove themselves.Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Kristian Clarke, Michael Bracewell and Matt Henry came into the side.Captain Mitchell Santner said the changes would help New Zealand build their squad depth ahead of the World Cup year.“Six changes. We got Nick Kelly at three, Foxy (Foxcroft) in as well at four, Finn Allen, Kristian Clarke, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry. It gives guys opportunities, which is nice. Obviously building the depth of our team leading into a World Cup year and then I guess them challenging themselves against a very, very good team,” Santner said.He also explained that the busy international schedule had played a role in the changes.“With the schedules and stuff, I think India obviously had to do the same with the quick turnaround for the Test and then go to Australia. I think it’s probably part of what we had to do. But yeah, it gives guys opportunities, which is nice.”
Santner jokes about losing nine tosses in a row
“I think it’s nine tails in a row. What were the odds on that? I won’t be going to the casino anytime soon, but yeah, looks like a great day for cricket. It’s usually a pretty good wicket here and obviously with the wind and a bit of sun, it’ll be nice,” Santner said.“Yeah, it looks obviously a little bit of grass. I think it’ll still have a bit of pace and bounce, but, I think with the wind and obviously the sun, it could dry out a little bit. But it should be a good wicket.”
India vs New Zealand 4th ODI: Playing XIs
India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh.New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Matthew Fisher.