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Key Takeaways
- 1🏏 Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 4th T20I at Visakhapatnam
- 2🤕 Ishan Kishan ruled out with a niggle, replaced by pace bowler Arshdeep Singh
- 3💧 Heavy dew and humid conditions at Vizag influenced both captains' preference to bowl first
- 4🔄 New Zealand brought in Zak Foulkes for Kyle Jamieson, with Neesham and Ferguson still unavailable
- 5⚡ Both teams made single changes to their playing XIs for this crucial encounter
- 6🎯 Pitch assessed as a good batting surface by both captains ahead of the match
"Arshdeep replaced him; New Zealand also made one change, bringing in Zak Foulkes for Kyle Jamieson"
India vs New Zealand 4th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl; Ishan Kishan Ruled Out with Niggle
The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand at Visakhapatnam saw Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav win the crucial toss and immediately elect to field first. The decision, influenced heavily by conditions at the venue, sets the stage for an intriguing contest in this ongoing bilateral series.
Toss Decision: Dew Factor Plays Key Role
Suryakumar Yadav had no hesitation in choosing to bowl first, citing the significant dew formation he observed during practice sessions. The Indian skipper pointed to the humid conditions in Vizag as a determining factor in his strategic decision.
"It is quite humid today and there will be dew and we think it will come onto the bat in the second innings. We need to repeat the good habits from the last year, learn from the last game and entertain the crowd."
Interestingly, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner revealed he would have made the same call had he won the toss, acknowledging the challenging conditions that await the team batting second.
"Looks like a good wicket. The dew has set in and it might be a bit hard later on. We know the quality of this Indian team, but it looks like a good wicket and we will want to set up a score."
Team Changes: Ishan Kishan Misses Out with Niggle
India's Playing XI
The hosts were forced into making one change to their lineup, with Ishan Kishan ruled out due to a niggle picked up during the previous match. In his place, pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh returns to strengthen India's bowling attack.
India's playing XI features a formidable batting lineup with Sanju Samson donning the wicketkeeping gloves, opening alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma. The middle order boasts captain Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, power-hitter Shivam Dube, and the ever-reliable Rinku Singh.
The bowling department looks particularly threatening with the return of Arshdeep Singh joining forces with Jasprit Bumrah. Spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi provide variety, while Harshit Rana adds pace bowling depth.
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand's Playing XI
The Black Caps also made a solitary change, introducing Zak Foulkes into the playing XI in place of Kyle Jamieson. Captain Santner confirmed that James Neesham wasn't fit for this encounter, while pace ace Lockie Ferguson continues to remain sidelined.
New Zealand's batting order is led by Tim Seifert behind the stumps, with the experienced Devon Conway and talented Rachin Ravindra forming a solid top order. Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman provide the middle-order muscle, with captain Santner himself adding all-round value.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi
Pitch and Conditions at Visakhapatnam
Both captains assessed the Vizag wicket as a good batting surface. However, the significant dew formation and humid conditions are expected to make life difficult for bowlers in the second innings, potentially tilting the advantage towards the chasing team.
The evening match promises challenging conditions for the team defending a total, with the ball likely to skid onto the bat as the dew settles.
Looking Ahead: Series Context and Implications
With the series progressing, both teams will be eager to gain momentum heading into the business end of this bilateral contest. India's decision to bowl first, backed by home conditions knowledge, could prove decisive if their bowling unit restricts New Zealand to a below-par total.
For New Zealand, setting up a competitive score on what both captains agree is a good batting surface will be paramount, especially knowing the dew-affected second innings could complicate their bowling efforts.
The absence of key players on both sides – Kishan for India, and Neesham along with Ferguson for New Zealand – adds an interesting subplot to this encounter in Visakhapatnam.
