New Zealand vs India: Preview, Dream XI of fourth ODI
After winning the first three ODIs of the five-match series, India will be looking to dominate the proceedings against New Zealand, when they lock horns in Hamilton. India have played five ODIs against New Zealand at this venue. Notably, they have won only one back in 2009. But given the current form, one can expect India to emerge victorious. Here is the match preview.
Focus on Rohit Sharma in Virat Kohli's absence
Virat Kohli will miss the remainder of the tour after being given a rest. In 2018, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma proved to be an able leader in Kohli's absence. The opener will, once again, look to be among the runs and help his side get off to a strong start. Rohit could draft MS Dhoni back, after he was rested for the last match.
Shubman Gill likely to make his debut
Tomorrow, Shubman Gill could make his debut for India. The top order batsman might take the number three position vacated by Kohli. After the series win, Kohli had dropped a hint about Gill's debut. He had also praised the player's skills after seeing him bat in the nets. The teenager sat on the bench, in first three ODIs, after being handed a call-up earlier.
India have plenty of positives to focus on
Dinesh Karthik gave a solid account of himself in the previous match and so did Ambati Rayudu, who is getting back to form in this series. Pacer Mohammed Shami has been in top gear and is crucial upfront. Hardik Pandya made a decent comeback and looked strong in the third ODI. The Indian spinners have put Kiwis batsmen, consistently into trouble.
New Zealand will hope to show some fight
New Zealand have not been able to provide a fight in this series against India. The batting in particular has failed to fire big time. Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle come in and will be wanting to make it count. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson have looked strong, but the rest of the side has lacked composure. The openers, in particular, need to score.
NZ vs IND: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
Rohit gets the leadership nod and is our choice to open the innings alongside Kane Williamson. Young Gill gets a nod as the number three batsman. The middle-order consists of the consistent Ross Taylor, with Dinesh Karthik filling in as the wicket-keeper. Mitchell Santner and Hardik Pandya are the two all-rounders. The four-man bowling quartet sees Boult, Shami (vice-captain), Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Match timing, TV listing and venue
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. One can stream the match live on Hotstar. It is scheduled for a 7:30 AM IST start. The match will be held at Seddon Park, Hamilton. A high-scoring affair is expected.
