India Opens Gaikwad With Rohit in Fourth ODI
Ruturaj Gaikwad is named as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma for the fourth one-day international against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Golf
India have named Ruturaj Gaikwad as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma for the fourth ODI against New Zealand, with Ishan Kishan left in the middle order. India lead the series 2-0 after the first two matches in Auckland and Wellington.
Why it matters
The selection gives Gaikwad his first ODI opening role since the 2023 tour of South Africa, and it shapes how India balance their top and middle order with a game in hand. Shreyas Iyer is leading India in ODIs for the first time as the team aims to secure the series.
New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in the second ODI, with Gurnoor Brar taking 4 for 30, while India lead the series 2-0 with the third match washed out in Hamilton. The outcome of the fourth match will determine whether India can secure the series with one game remaining.
The players
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is an Indian international cricketer who was named as an opener for the fourth ODI against New Zealand.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is an Indian international cricketer who is leading the national side in ODIs for the first time during this series.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a former India captain and senior opening batter who was named to open alongside Gaikwad in the fourth ODI.
The details
Gaikwad was named as an opener in the team sheet alongside Rohit Sharma for the fourth ODI in Mount Maunganui, where Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul have left the squad for red-ball preparation, and Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain for the last two ODIs.
Timeline
2023: Gaikwad last opened an ODI on India's tour of South Africa.
Nov. 13, 2026: Coverage of the fourth ODI opening-order decision published.
Season Trajectory
Gaikwad's return to the top of the order follows his last ODI opening appearance on the 2023 South Africa tour, reopening a question of opener selection that India have not settled in the intervening period. The choice also tests how India balance their batting lineup as Shreyas Iyer takes over the ODI captaincy.
Fantasy managers tracking Indian players should note that Gaikwad now holds an opening role, while Ishan Kishan drops to the middle order for this match. The fourth ODI result will affect the series standings, with India able to clinch it with one more win.
The takeaway
Opening-order decisions in limited-overs cricket often reflect how a team balances experience against form, and India's choice here shows that trade-off in real time. Following the remaining ODIs will show whether the change holds.
What happens next
The remaining ODIs of the series, including the fourth match in Mount Maunganui and the final match, will determine whether India secure the series.
Further reading
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