The India-New Zealand T20I series heads to Visakhapatnam for the fourth match on Wednesday. With a 3-0 lead already secured, India looks to cap off a perfect series in style. The venue’s batsman-friendly track sets the stage for a run-fest, continuing the trend from previous games.
Spotlight falls squarely on Sanju Samson after three dismal outings totaling 16 runs. Ishan Kishan’s fiery performances have intensified the competition for spots, ramping up the heat on the keeper-batsman. Yet, support from the think tank persists. Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, dismissed any dressing room tensions.
Samson must deliver a match-defining innings to silence doubters and restore self-belief. Captain Suryakumar Yadav leads a team firing on all cylinders, with Abhishek Sharma stealing the show. His role as the aggressive opener has terrorized bowlers, exemplified by a blistering half-century in 14 deliveries in Guwahati, cementing his status as India’s rising star.
Jacob Orme, New Zealand’s bowling coach, concedes Abhishek’s technique leaves little to exploit. Plans on paper rarely translate to success against such form.
Expect Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel to possibly return, with Axar showing fine form post-injury. The Kiwis are treating this as a learning curve ahead of the World Cup. Beyond records, this game warns rivals of India’s T20 prowess just before the global event.
Clear skies are forecast, though dew could favor chasers later. Memories of India’s 209 chase against Australia here fuel expectations of batting fireworks.