India vs New Zealand's fourth ODI match is set to be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. This is a must-win game for the Kiwis to keep the five-match ODI series. Ahead of the fourth game, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared an update on India’s possible line-up for the forthcoming game, giving Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad new roles.

India National Cricket Team is already leading 0-2 against the New Zealand in the ODI series. As the 3rd ODI match has been washed out, there are only two results possible: a draw or a win for the Men in Blue. This will be their first victory for the side since the 2018/19 season. A win in the next match will seal the series.

Aakash Chopra explains why Ishan Kishan should open in 4th ODI

Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel questioned Ishan Kishan’s batting position in the forthcoming ODI match. As per Chopra, the vice-captain for the side for the two matches should open the innings with Rohit Sharma as it would provide a right and left-combination.

"The big question for the Indian selectors and team management would be whether to play Ishan Kishan as an opener or a middle-order batter. I would make him open. It will be a left-right combination. He can open with Rohit Sharma," said Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel (as quoted by NDTV).

Ruturaj Gaikwad to open or bat in middle order?

The former KKR opener believes that if Ishan Kishan opens, then Ruturaj Gaikwad can bat in the middle order, where the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have more experience playing in the 50-over format for the Men in Blue side, as he also has a hundred in the position. Though Gaikwad might open, as it is his natural batting position.

"If that happens, you can comfortably play Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 4 or No. 5 because when Ruturaj played the last time, he played at No. 4. He scored a hundred as well, but he is not getting chances. So this is a very good opportunity."

"It seems like Ruturaj can be made to open because it is his natural batting position, but thus far you have made him bat in the middle when you got a chance. When you did that then, do it now as well. Ishan Kishan can open in any case. So make him open," he added.

Who will play Mohammed Siraj or Kuldeep Yadav in 4th ODI?

Aakash Chopra, in the same video, named India’s playing XI for the fourth ODI. He put Auqib Nabi at No.8 and believes that the Jammu and Kashmir pacer should play all the remaining matches. He also feels that either Mohammed Siraj or Kuldeep Yadav can play in the upcoming game.

"So I will have Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan as openers, then Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Naman Dhir, and Axar Patel. After that, Auqib Nabi. I am going to play Auqib Nabi in all the matches. He will be my batter as well at No. 8. Then I will keep Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh," Chopra said.

"The last player will be a toss-up depending on the pitch. Since Mount Maunganui is a slightly bigger ground, can I play Kuldeep there? In such a scenario, I won't be able to play Siraj. Otherwise, you will continue with four fast bowlers - Auqib, Gurnoor, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. So, I see only one of Kuldeep or Siraj playing," he added.

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