India vs New Zealand | Predicted XI for the fourth ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton

Openers

Middle-order

Ambati Rayudu: Rayudu was scratchy in the previous games so resting him is not an option at all. He scored a 40 in the last game - the only game where he looked to be at home - and only one thing can solve that issue is by playing more matches. Once he gets back to full flow, India can breathe easy.

Dinesh Karthik: A sore hamstring should never be taken lightly and despite the fact that MS Dhoni returned to the nets today, taking more rest will keep him in good stead. On the other hand, Karthik has really been consistent in his small contributions and batted in a matured way as well. He needs to be given more chances to get his confidence back.

Kedar Jadhav: He chips in with the ball, and scores run at the time of need. Kedar Jadhav’s role has drastically increased in the ODI set-up and even at times, relegated Hardik Pandya as the prime all-rounder position. Also, his camaraderie with MS Dhoni - which is all over his Instagram handle - also creates an understanding situation, often put pressure on the opposition. 

Hardik Pandya: The Baroda all-rounder made a stunning comeback in the third ODI in Mount Maunganui and made a statement that why he is rated highly in the Indian set-up. His bowling in the middle-overs helped India save them from a Kuldeep off-day. However, the team will want to see his hitting prowess again if he gets a chance to bat tomorrow.

Kuldeep Yadav: The wrist-spinner became the first bowler to have taken two consecutive four-fers in New Zealand and it seems like New Zealand batsmen didn’t have any clue to his bowling. However, MS Dhoni’s absence in the last game put an issue wide open that he failed to take any wickets and even went for runs. Can he stand alone? Time has come to prove it.

Yuzvendra Chahal: He is having a ball now. After a six-fer in the last ODI in Melbourne, the wrist-spinner has already picked up six wickets (two each in three games) and that’s good enough to exude confidence. He varied his pace nicely and most importantly, he slowed the game down by negating the impact of Ross Taylor and Tom Latham superbly.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The role of Bhuvneshwar Kumar was to contain runs when Jasprit Bumrah was there and it hasn’t changed much since then. Mohammed Shami is donning the role of wicket-taker and he is managing to put pressure from the other end. A nice set-up that would help India sleep easy come the World Cup.

Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Shami has picked up seven wickets in the series so far, but he has been playing regular cricket ever since India started their quest for their first-ever Test series in Australia. India may well hand him a small break and test Siraj who went for runs in the first game.