India’s bold team combination experiment in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday (January 28) ended in disappointment, as the visitors registered a comprehensive 50-run victory. Despite fielding five specialist bowlers and six batters, India found themselves outplayed in both departments. New Zealand posted an imposing 215/7 in their 20 overs before bowling India out for 165 in just 18.4 overs, exposing the risks involved in India’s tactical gamble.

The team selection itself raised eyebrows ahead of the contest. With Ishan Kishan sidelined due to a niggle, India opted to bring in left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh instead of a like-for-like batting replacement. That decision left the hosts slightly thin in batting depth, a factor that ultimately proved costly. However, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later clarified that the move was a conscious call rather than a forced compromise.

Speaking to former India spinner Murali Kartik during the post-match presentation, Suryakumar explained that the team management intentionally went in with six batters to test themselves under pressure. According to the skipper, the idea was to have five “perfect” bowling options while simulating high-pressure chase scenarios that India could encounter during the T20 World Cup.

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“I feel we purposely played six batters today. We wanted to have five perfect bowlers and wanted to challenge ourselves,” Suryakumar Yadav said. He elaborated that the team wanted to assess how the batting unit responds when chasing 180–200 runs and losing two or three wickets early.

The larger objective, he stressed, was preparation rather than immediate results, adding that the management wanted to give game time to players in the World Cup squad. Suryakumar was also quizzed on his decision to field first, especially after India had successfully chased down big targets in the second and third T20Is.

The Indian skipper admitted that the call was again driven by a desire to push the team outside its comfort zone. He even hinted that a similar approach could be adopted in the fifth T20I if conditions allow.

“We’ve been batting really well when we’ve batted first. So I wanted the guys to take responsibility if we’re chasing 180 or 200 and two or three wickets are down,” he said, underlining the importance of building resilience in pressure chases.

WATCH – Shivam Dube’s Unlucky Run-Out Overshadows Record-Breaking Knock Against New Zealand

Despite the defeat, one of the biggest positives for India was Shivam Dube’s explosive knock. The all-rounder smashed a stunning 65 off just 23 balls, bringing up his fifty in only 15 deliveries. His innings, which included three fours and seven towering sixes, briefly reignited India’s hopes in an otherwise lopsided chase.

Suryakumar was full of praise for Dube, admitting that better support at the other end could have changed the complexion of the game. “The way Dube batted, one batter with him would have made a lot of difference,” the captain remarked, suggesting that one or two solid partnerships might have bridged the 50-run margin in a high-scoring contest like this.