India walk out at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui today with the series in their grasp and a new captain at the helm. Two wins from three games, with the third washed out by rain in Hamilton, have put the visitors 2-0 up in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, and a win in the fourth ODI on Friday would seal the series with a game to spare.
The match, which began at 7:30 AM IST, has a very different look to the side that started the tour. Shreyas Iyer leads India in his ODI captaincy debut, with regular skipper Shubman Gill, wicketkeeper KL Rahul and pacer Anshul Kamboj all released from the squad to prepare for the two-Test series that begins in Wellington on November 19.
A new-look India take the field
The changes hand opportunities to players who have waited patiently for their turn. Ishan Kishan, named vice-captain for the final two ODIs, is expected to open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma, a promotion that caps a long road back into the national setup for the left-hander. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma are competing for the remaining middle-order spot, while Mohammed Siraj is in line to return to the pace attack after missing the recent matches.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra, naming his XI for the game, picked Kishan as opener with Gaikwad at number five, and backed debutant pacer Auqib Nabi to play every match of the series after his impressive showing earlier in the tour. Naman Dhir and Axar Patel provide the all-round options, with Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar completing the pace attack.
For Iyer, the day is a personal milestone as much as a team assignment. He has led in the IPL and in domestic cricket, but this is his first time captaining India in a one-day international, and he does it with the series on the line and a side full of players eager to prove themselves.
Rohit and Kohli in focus
Amid all the changes, the spotlight stays on the two senior batters. Rohit Sharma has had two scratchy outings on the tour so far and will want a solid hit in conditions that have tested every batter. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remains the anchor of the middle order, and his record at the top level means New Zealand will plan carefully around him.
India’s top order has been one of the strongest in world cricket since the 2023 World Cup, and the numbers back that up. But this New Zealand attack has been a stubborn opponent. The home seamers have nearly matched their Indian counterparts, and it is the batting that has let the hosts down, with the top order struggling against seam and bounce through the series.
The second ODI told the story. New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in Wellington, with young pacer Auqib Nabi taking two wickets for 31 runs, and India chased the target down to go 2-0 up. The third ODI in Hamilton never got going, with rain returning after the toss and no balls bowled.
New Zealand fight to stay alive
For the hosts, led by Mitchell Santner, the equation is simple: win both remaining games or the series is gone. A win today keeps the dream of a 2-2 draw alive, and the home side have reshuffled their squad for the fight, bringing in Finn Allen, Mitch Hay, Dean Foxcroft and Brett Randell.
There is also hope of a return for Matt Henry, who has been recovering from a head injury and a quadriceps problem after a collision with Devon Conway in training. Conway has been ruled out of the ODI series, and Blair Tickner remains unavailable, so Henry’s experience with the new ball would be a timely boost.
Bay Oval has a reputation as a ground where bowlers can find help, particularly with the new ball, and the team that handles the first hour best could set the tone for the day. Clear weather is forecast for Mount Maunganui, a welcome change after the Hamilton washout, so both sides should finally get a full game.
What is at stake
A win for India seals the series 3-0 with the fifth ODI, also at Bay Oval on November 15, still to play. It would also cap a fine tour for a side that has had to adapt quickly, first winning the T20I series and now closing in on the ODI honours with a reshuffled team.
For New Zealand, the stakes are about pride and momentum. Losing a home series with a game to spare would sting, and with a Test series to follow, the hosts need their senior players to stand up. Santner’s side know the conditions better than anyone, and they have the attack to trouble India if the batters give them something to defend.
Whatever the result, the day belongs to Iyer and his new-look team. A series win under a stand-in captain, with debutants and returning players all chipping in, would say plenty about the depth India have built in white-ball cricket.
FAQs
When and where is the India vs New Zealand 4th ODI?
The fourth ODI is being played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday, November 13, 2026. The match began at 7:30 AM IST after the toss at 7:00 AM IST.
Who is captaining India in the 4th ODI?
Shreyas Iyer is leading India in his ODI captaincy debut. Regular captain Shubman Gill has joined the Test squad preparations, along with KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj.
What is the series score?
India lead the five-match series 2-0. India won the first two ODIs, and the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain.
What happens if India win today?
India will seal the series 3-0 with one match still to play. The fifth and final ODI is also at Bay Oval, on November 15, followed by a two-Test series starting in Wellington on November 19.
Who is opening the batting for India?
Ishan Kishan, the vice-captain for the final two ODIs, is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma in the absence of Shubman Gill.
India have the series in sight. Now it is up to Iyer and his new-look side to finish the job in Mount Maunganui.
