India could make notable changes to their playing XI for the fourth ODI against New Zealand, scheduled to take place on November 13, 2026, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Former India batter Ambati Rayudu and cricket analyst Murali Kartik have both called for the inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, suggesting that Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj could make way.

Both experts believe India needs fresh batting options and a better left-right combination in the middle order. While Rayudu has backed Kishan to open alongside Rohit Sharma, Kartik wants Gaikwad to take Rahul’s place in the middle order. Their suggestions point towards a possible reshuffle as India prepare for the penultimate match of the five-game ODI series.

Rayudu believes Ishan Kishan’s aggressive approach could provide India with a useful option at the top of the order. He has also highlighted Gaikwad’s ability to contribute in different batting positions, arguing that both players deserve an opportunity in the playing XI.

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Speaking on Cricbuzz, Ambati Rayudu said: “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.”

Murali Kartik has also supported the selection of Kishan and Gaikwad, although his preferred batting arrangement is slightly different. Kartik wants Kishan to feature at the top while Gaikwad slots into the middle order in place of KL Rahul. He believes the combination would give India a better left-right balance and add flexibility to the batting line-up. “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.

Kartik has also raised questions about India’s bowling combination if the selectors decide to make three changes. With Gill, Rahul and Kamboj potentially missing out, India would have room to introduce fresh players into the side. The analyst has specifically mentioned Yash Thakur and Mohammed Siraj as possible options for the bowling department.

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“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,” Murali Kartik said.  India’s final selection will depend on the team’s requirements and the balance they want for the Mount Maunganui encounter.