Table of Contents
In a tactical experiment aimed at preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026, India‘s dominant run-streak came to a halt in the 4th T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam on January 28, 2026. After securing three consecutive wins to take the series, the hosts suffered a 50-run defeat after being bowled out for 165 while chasing a massive target of 216.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals why India chose to bat second and go with 6 specialist batters
Following the match, captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the decision to bowl first and field a shorter batting lineup was a calculated ‘challenge’ for the squad. Yadav explained that the team intentionally played with only six specialist batters and five front-line bowlers to simulate high-pressure World Cup scenarios.
“I feel we purposely played six batters today. We wanted to have five perfect bowlers and wanted to challenge ourselves. Like for example, if we’re chasing 200 or 180, and we wanted to see if we were two down or three down, how does it look. But then it’s fine at the end of the day. And we wanted to play all the players who are part of the World Cup squad. Otherwise, we would have played other ones. (On opting to bat second) We’ve been batting really well when we’ve batted first. So I wanted the guys to take that responsibility if we’re chasing 180 or 200, and two wickets or three wickets are down and see how we bat. So it’s a good challenge. Hopefully if we get an opportunity again in the next game, we might chase again” Suryakumar Yadav said after the game.
Despite the loss, India retains a 3-1 lead in the series as they head into the final match in Thiruvananthapuram. This remains their final dress rehearsal before the World Cup begins on February 7.
New Zealand’s dominance against India in the 4th T20I
The Black Caps set a formidable total of 215/7, fueled by a blistering 100-run opening stand between Tim Seifert (62 off 36) and Devon Conway (44 off 23). Despite India clawing back through Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, a late flourish from Daryl Mitchell (39 off 18)*, including 19 runs off Bumrah’s 19th over, pushed the Kiwis past the 200-mark.
In response, India’s chase faltered early. Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck, while the captain himself managed only 8 runs. Shivam Dube was the lone bright spot, smashing a career-best 65 off 23 balls (including seven sixes), reaching his fifty in just 15 deliveries. However, his unfortunate run-out at the non-striker’s end effectively ended India’s hopes, as the tail folded quickly under pressure from Mitchell Santner (3/26).
