'I hope he gets a game' – Ambati Rayudu & Murali Kartik suggest three changes in XI for India's 4th ODI

The fourth ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for November 13, 2026 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Two prominent voices in Indian cricket have independently proposed significant changes to the visiting team's playing XI for this fixture. Former India batter Ambati Rayudu and cricket analyst Murali Kartik have both advocated for the inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, suggesting that Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj should make way.

Both experts have emphasised the need for fresh batting options and a balanced left-right combination in the middle order. Rayudu has specifically backed Ishan Kishan to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, while Kartik has proposed Gaikwad as a replacement for Rahul in the middle order. The proposed changes reflect a strategic shift in India's approach for the penultimate match of the series.

Ambati Rayudu has outlined his preference for Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, with the flexibility to adjust batting positions based on match requirements. Rayudu believes both Kishan and Gaikwad bring valuable options to the squad and should feature in the XI.

"I would go with Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at the top and open with Rohit Sharma. Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored a 100, but he has not opened for India in recent times. I think Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad should be coming into the playing XI, and they can be moved up and down according to what number you would like them to bat," Rayudu said on Cricbuzz.

What changes do Rayudu and Kartik propose for India's batting?

Murali Kartik has similarly backed the inclusion of both players but with a different batting order arrangement. He believes Ishan Kishan should bat at the top while Gaikwad slots into the middle order, providing the left-right balance that India requires.

"I think Ishan maybe at the top, and you have played Rutu in the middle order, so he comes in for KL Rahul. You will get the left-right combination as well," Kartik said.

How will the bowling department be affected by the XI changes?

With three players departing the XI, India faces the prospect of introducing fresh bowling options for the fourth ODI. Kartik has highlighted the importance of Ruturaj Gaikwad's inclusion while also raising questions about which fast bowler should replace the outgoing players. The bowling department changes are integral to the overall squad restructuring being proposed.

"I think the most important thing here is that Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a gig. Does Yash Thakur get a gig, or does Mohammed Siraj come in? I hope he gets a game. So, Gill, Rahul, and Kamboj have left the playing XI, so you have three ready-made replacements in the playing XI," Kartik said.