Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain his place in India’s playing XI for the fourth T20I against the West Indies, scheduled to be played on October 14, 2026. Despite the all-rounder’s modest returns in the ongoing series, the former India batter believes Reddy deserves another opportunity to prove his worth.

India currently lead the five-match T20I series 2-1 after securing a 14-run victory in the third match on October 11. Reddy has featured in all three games but has managed just 30 runs and two wickets. However, Pujara remains confident in the all-rounder’s abilities and wants the team management to show faith in him for the upcoming contest at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Cheteshwar Pujara praised Reddy’s contributions and backed him to continue in the side. “Nitish Kumar Reddy, I think he did a good job. So, I would want to see him get one more chance,” Pujara said.

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While selecting his predicted playing XI for the fourth T20I, Pujara preferred to keep India’s top order unchanged. He backed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to open the innings, followed by Ishan Kishan at number three. T20I captain Shreyas Iyer would occupy the fourth position, with Tilak Varma batting at number five.

Cheteshwar Pujara believes India should avoid unnecessary changes to the top order as the team looks to strengthen its position in the series. “I wouldn’t want many changes in the top order. So Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma would open, Ishan Kishan would be at No. 3, Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, and Tilak Varma at No. 5,” he added.

Reddy has been placed at number six, followed by Naman Dhir at number seven and Axar Patel at number eight. Arshdeep Singh is expected to bat at number nine, while Mayank Yadav has also received Pujara’s backing after his recent bowling performances. “Mayank Yadav is bowling well. So he should also be played. The question for the Indian team in Hyderabad would be how the pitch is,” Cheteshwar Pujara explained.

According to Pujara, the Hyderabad surface will play a crucial role in determining India’s final team combination. He believes the management must assess the conditions before deciding between Prince Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav for the final spot.

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If the pitch offers assistance to spinners, Kuldeep could return to the playing XI. However, if conditions resemble those in Indore, where fast bowlers received some assistance, India could retain the same combination. “Based on that, either you will go with Prince Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav. That’s the only change I see,” Cheteshwar Pujara said.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s Predicted India Playing XI for the 4th T20I: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav/Kuldeep Yadav.