4th T20I: Sooryavanshi or Samson? If Ishan Kishan returns, India call for face selection

India’s elusive 3-0 lead has given them room to experiment, but the potential return of Ishan Kishan could complicate their plans for the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland on Friday. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive start to the series has boosted his bid to stay at the top, leaving India to consider whether to stick with the teenager or bring Sanju Samson back into the opening mix.

Sooryavanshi made the decision tougher in Wellington when he smashed 45 off 19 balls as he and Abhishek Sharma added 133 for the first wicket in a chase of 199 which India completed in just 13.2 overs. Meanwhile, Kishan has returned to the nets as he recovers from a groin injury.

India also have other options to consider, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy yet to feature in the series. The fourth T20I could give the team management an opportunity to test their strength on the bench with the T20 World Cup in mind.

SAMSON OR SOORYAVANSHI IF ISHAN COMES BACK?

Sooryavanshi gave India another option at the top of the order. His 45 off 19 balls in Wellington was the intention and his partnership with Abhishek put New Zealand on the back foot before their bowlers could settle into a rhythm.

But if Kishan is declared fit, India will have to decide whether to keep the teenager or bring back Samson as an opener. Samson moved to No. 3 in Wellington to accommodate Sooryavanshi as he started alongside Abhishek earlier in the series. Ishan Kishan seen batting in the nets during India’s practice session in Auckland (courtesy BCCI)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Samson should return to the opening slot if Kishan is available. Ashwin appreciated Sooryavanshi’s talent but urged people not to put too much pressure on the youngster so early in his career.

It’s a challenge that goes beyond one impressive innings. Samson brings experience to the top of the order while Sooryavanshi has shown that he can give India a quick start. With Kishan also in contention, India have several options, but putting all three in the same top order would require a reshuffle.

Kishan’s fitness remains the key factor. He missed the second and third T20Is with a low right adductor strain and was seen batting in the nets ahead of the Auckland match. India have little reason to rush him back with the series already secured, so his recovery will determine whether the selection debate becomes a real match-day decision.

If Kishan is not available, Sooryavanshi should get another opportunity. If fit, Samson’s return to the starting position is a strong possibility.

WILL KULDEEP AND VARUN GET THE GAME?

India’s batting depth has been a major strength of the series, allowing the top order to attack without worrying too much about what comes next. But with the score tied, the remaining matches offer an opportunity to test the bowling combination.

Kuldeep and Varun are yet to play against New Zealand. Kuldeep brings a proven ability to take wickets in the middle overs, while Varun offers a different challenge with his variations. Both could benefit from game time, especially as India look to assess their options for future assignments. Kuldeep Yadav seen bowling during India’s practice session in Auckland on Thursday, October 29 (courtesy BCCI)

Eden Park will test their control. Short straight edges leave little room for error, and even a well-disguised serve can disappear if the length is slightly off. This makes the prospect of playing a specialist spinner interesting, but also means that India will have to consider the balance of their side.

Playing any spinner can mean sacrificing some batting depth. India have relied on a rich batting line-up throughout the series and there is little incentive to abandon the three-win formula. However, the remaining matches provide a chance to see how the bowling attack fares with a different combination.

Shivam Dube could also be considered if India decide to keep Nitish Kumar Reddy. Mayank Yadav is another option after Prince Yadav was relieved after the opening match.

India don’t need sweeping changes, but giving one or both spinners a game would help the management assess his options. The decision may come down to how much importance they place on rotation versus the need to maintain a balanced XI.

4. T20I: AUCKLAND PITCH AND CONDITIONS

Eden Park is a very different challenge to bowlers as it has unusually short straight boundaries. The boundaries of the squares are longer, so teams will have to adjust their plans rather than relying on pace or variation.

The direct boundaries of the pitch do not meet the current ICC minimum distance requirements, although the venue is exempt as it predates these regulations. It could mean more opportunities for India’s aggressive top order to clear the ropes, especially if New Zealand miss their length.

The hosts have already seen how quickly India can take the game away from them. In Wellington, India were bowled out for 118 in the first six overs and were chasing 199 with 40 balls remaining. New Zealand’s bowlers have been unable to slow down the scoring and will need a better plan in Auckland.

Mitchell Santner remains an important figure for the visitors but needs support from the other end. New Zealand will have to make better use of the larger square boundaries, vary the pace and not give the Indian batsmen room to relax their hands.

The venue also puts pressure on the Indian bowlers. If Kuldeep or Varun get a chance, the match will offer a useful test of their control in conditions that leave little room for error.

The weather is expected to remain fine and Eden Park will host the entire competition. With a sizeable Indian crowd expected, New Zealand will want to give their supporters something to cheer about after three defeats.

NZ vs IND 4th T20I: PREDICTED XI

For India, the predicted XI could change depending on Kishan’s fitness and the management’s plans for the bowling attack. Kuldeep and Varun remain in contention, while Dube could also get an opportunity if India decide to rest Reddy.

India: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (Goalkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.

New Zealand will be without Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry for the rest of the T20I series due to injuries. Matt Fisher has joined the squad as cover for Ferguson, while Nathan Smith could return after missing the third game with a minor injury.

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (goalkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Nathan Smith.

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