India sticks with winning XI for 4th T20I against New Zealand

India’s management has signalled that the playing eleven which delivered back‑to‑back wins in the opening games of the four‑match T20 series against New Zealand will remain unchanged for the fourth encounter. Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma appear confident that the current combination of batsmen, bowlers and all‑rounders offers the right balance to clinch the series. The decision comes after New Zealand posted a competitive total in the third match, prompting Indian fans to anticipate a tactical tweak, but the board has opted for continuity instead. If the unchanged side repeats its recent performances, India could secure a series lead heading into the final fixture.

The retained XI includes the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, the middle order anchored by Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, and a pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Spin options remain limited, with Ravindra Jadeja likely to feature as the sole spinner. The squad’s stability reflects the coaching staff’s belief that the current rhythm outweighs the need for experimentation at this stage of the series.

New Zealand will field a refreshed side in an effort to overturn the deficit, setting up a high‑stakes showdown at the venue. The fourth T20, scheduled for later this week, will test whether India’s confidence in its winning formula can translate into a decisive series advantage.