Mount Maunganui, November 2026 : Shreyas Iyer began his stint as India's captain in the 50-over format on Friday after winning the toss and opting to bowl first against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval. India made three notable changes to their playing XI, bringing in Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav for the contest.
Iyer, becoming the 29th player to captain India in men's One-Day Internationals, has taken charge in the absence of regular skipper Shubman Gill. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj have also left the squad to prepare for the upcoming Test series, which begins on November 19.
India enter the fourth match with a 2-0 advantage in the five-match ODI series. The third encounter in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain, leaving New Zealand with the task of winning the remaining matches to level the series.
Gaikwad has been included as an opening batter alongside Rohit Sharma, while wicketkeeper-batter Kishan will strengthen the middle order. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav also gets his first opportunity in the ODI series after being left out of the playing XI during India's 3-2 victory in the preceding T20I series and the first three ODIs.
However, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has once again been left out, despite the inclusion of three fresh faces in the Indian side.
Iyer Calls Fourth ODI a Knockout Contest
Explaining India's decision to bowl first, Iyer said the team was looking to take advantage of the conditions, particularly the possibility of dew later in the evening.
He noted that the pitch had some grass when the team assessed it on Thursday, although it appeared relatively dry on match day.
"I think it's about chasing, and when we looked at the wicket yesterday, there was a little bit of grass. But today it looks pretty dry, and also considering the dew coming in in the evening, one of the reasons we have opted to bowl first," Iyer said.
The Indian captain also stressed the importance of making the most of the remaining matches, describing the fourth and fifth ODIs as crucial.
He said the team had not always been able to play complete matches in the series but praised the players' approach and attitude. Iyer added that India would treat the fourth ODI as a knockout contest, with the final two games being of significant importance.
New Zealand Make Six Changes
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner confirmed that his side had made six changes, with several first-choice players leaving to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
Nick Kelly has been included at number three, followed by Dean Foxcroft and Finn Allen. Kristian Clarke, Michael Bracewell and Matt Henry have also returned to the playing XI.
Santner described the conditions as favourable for cricket, predicting that the pitch would offer some pace and bounce because of the grass cover. He added that sunshine and wind could cause the surface to dry out as the match progressed.
The New Zealand skipper said the changes would provide valuable opportunities for players to test themselves against a strong Indian side. He also highlighted the importance of building squad depth ahead of the next World Cup.
Santner acknowledged that the demanding international schedule had influenced team selection, with both sides managing their resources ahead of the Test assignments.
Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Matthew Fisher.
With India holding a 2-0 lead, the fourth ODI presents an opportunity for the visitors to strengthen their position in the series. For New Zealand, the match is crucial as they look to keep the five-match contest alive.
