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NZ vs IND brings a significant leadership change and another important toss decision as India takes on New Zealand in the fourth one-day international at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss on Friday and elected to bowl first, giving his side the opportunity to chase under potentially favorable conditions.
The decision continues India’s remarkable success at the toss during its limited-overs campaign. India has won eight of the last nine tosses across the Twenty20 and one-day series, calling tails on every occasion. More importantly, the visitors enter the match with a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
NZ vs IND Fourth ODI: Shreyas Iyer Takes Charge
Iyer has taken over the captaincy from Shubman Gill, who has joined India’s Test squad ahead of the first Test against New Zealand next Thursday. The leadership switch comes with India in a strong position and just one victory away from securing a series triumph.
India is seeking to become the first touring team in seven years to defeat New Zealand in a one-day series on home soil. That possibility adds extra importance to Friday’s contest, particularly for a New Zealand team attempting to stay alive in the series.
India Unveils Major Lineup Changes
India has made several notable adjustments to its playing XI. Ruturaj Gaekwad makes his first appearance of the series and will open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan takes over wicketkeeping duties from K.L. Rahul, while Kuldeep Yadav joins the bowling attack.
The changes provide valuable opportunities for players who were not involved in the opening matches. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain central figures in the batting order, while Iyer will guide the side from the No. 4 position.
- Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaekwad open the innings.
- Virat Kohli remains a key part of India’s top order.
- Shreyas Iyer captains the team for the first time in the series.
- Ishan Kishan replaces K.L. Rahul as wicketkeeper.
- Kuldeep Yadav strengthens India’s spin options.
New Zealand Makes Bold Changes
New Zealand has also reshaped its lineup because of injuries and Test squad commitments. Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft and Finn Allen have been added to strengthen the batting group. Michael Bracewell and captain Mitchell Santner will provide all-round support as the hosts search for a much-needed win.
The pace attack features Kristian Clarke and Matt Henry, alongside Kyle Jamieson and Matthew Fisher. Tim Seifert and Will Young are expected to provide stability at the top, while New Zealand will hope its revised middle order can handle India’s bowling pressure.
New Zealand’s changes reflect the competing demands of the ODI series and the upcoming Test assignment. The hosts need immediate results, but they are also managing player availability and fitness with the longer format approaching.
Rain Threat Eases at Bay Oval
Weather has already played a major role in the series. Rain affected the first ODI in Auckland, although India still secured a five-wicket victory. The second match in Wellington was also interrupted, with India winning by four runs in a tense finish.
The third ODI, held in Wellington on Tuesday, was washed out without a ball being bowled. However, Friday’s forecast is more encouraging, with the match unlikely to face the same level of disruption. A full contest would be valuable for both teams after the frustrating washout.
India’s bowling-first choice could allow its attack to exploit early movement before Rohit Sharma, Gaekwad, Kohli and Iyer attempt to chase the target. New Zealand, meanwhile, must produce a disciplined batting performance to apply pressure on the visitors.
What Is at Stake in the Fourth ODI?
A victory would give India an unassailable 3-0 series lead and create a historic result on New Zealand soil. It would also confirm the team’s depth after the departure of Gill and Rahul ahead of the Test series.
For New Zealand, the fourth ODI is a critical opportunity to regain momentum. The hosts must win to keep the series alive and prevent India from completing a dominant away campaign. With fresh players on both sides, the contest could offer a revealing look at each team’s wider white-ball options.
India’s lineup: Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand’s lineup: Tim Seifert, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Matthew Fisher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the NZ vs IND fourth ODI?
India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand at Bay Oval.
What is the current ODI series score?
India leads the five-match series 2-0 after winning the first two matches. The third ODI was abandoned because of rain.
Who replaced Shubman Gill as India captain?
Shreyas Iyer replaced Shubman Gill as captain for the fourth ODI after Gill joined India’s Test squad.
Which players returned to India’s lineup?
Ruturaj Gaekwad made his first appearance of the series, while Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav also entered the playing XI.
Can India win the ODI series in New Zealand?
Yes. India needs one more victory to secure the series and could become the first touring team in seven years to win an ODI series in New Zealand.
