After the third ODI in Hamilton was rained out, India and New Zealand will now face off in the last two ODIs of the series in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. India leads the series 2-0, having won both the first two ODIs.
Three major changes are expected in Team India's playing XI for the fourth ODI against New Zealand. Skipper Shubman Gill, wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul and fast bowler Anshul Kamboj are likely to be rested ahead of the Test series, which leaves head coach Gautam Gambhir with three spots to fill for the fourth ODI.
Former India cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Murali Kartik shared their views on which players should be included in the playing XI for the last two matches of the series.
While Shreyas Iyer is expected to take over the captaincy from Gill, Rayudu and Kartik believe Ishan Kishan should step into his spot at the top of the order.
Kishan is the frontrunner to play since he is a candidate to open, is a wicket-keeper, and has been named vice-captain for the final two ODIs.
"I would go with Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at the top and open with Rohit Sharma. Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored a 100, but he has not opened for India in recent times," Rayudu said, speaking on Cricbuzz.
Furthermore, there will be a tussle between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma for the middle-order spot that will be vacated by KL Rahul.
"I think Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad should be coming into the playing XI, and they can be moved up and down according to what number you would like them to bat," he added.
Kartik echoed Rayudu's statements and further stated who he would like to see replacing Anshul Kamboj.
"I think Ishan may be at the top, and you have played Rutu in the middle order, so he comes in for KL Rahul. You will get the left-right combination as well. Does Yash Thakur get a gig? Or does Mohammed Siraj come in? I hope he gets a game. So, Gill, Rahul, and Kamboj have left the playing XI, so you have three ready-made replacements in the playing XI,” Kartik stated in the same conversation.
Given that Siraj is already in the Test team, Yash Thakur, who has played for India in Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Japan, may be selected.
