Why Ruturaj Gaikwad is Opening Today With Rohit Sharma in NZ vs IND 4th ODI?

Ruturaj Gaikwad is opening alongside Rohit Sharma in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. Regular opener Shubman Gill is unavailable for the remaining two matches. India released Gill from the ODI squad to prepare for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

With two of the best ODI batsmen, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, leaving the squad, India needed changes to their batting order. Team management brought Gaikwad into the playing XI for the fourth ODI at Bay Oval. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has been included as the wicketkeeper-batter. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad batting position was always a talking point before this game.

Why Is Ruturaj Gaikwad Opening Today With Rohit Sharma in 4th ODI?

Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj were released from India's squad ahead of the fourth ODI. The three players travelled to Wellington for red-ball preparations ahead of the first Test on November 19, 2026.

Gill's absence created a vacancy at the top of India's batting order. The management decided to bring Ruturaj Gaikwad into the playing XI. The right-handed batter will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.

KL Rahul's departure allowed Kishan to sneak into the playing 11. Ishan Kishan batting position in 4th ODI is No. 5, the same spot for Rahul. Kishan is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world but he still has a point to prove in the ODIs. This allowed Gaikwad to bat in his natural opening position.

Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer and the management also included Kuldeep Yadav. India used the opportunity to test their bench strength as they already lead the five-match series 2-0.

How Has the NZ vs IND 4th ODI Progressed So Far?

New Zealand have been bowled out for 333 in 50 overs at Bay Oval. India won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Men in Blue now require 334 runs to win the NZ vs IND 4th ODI.

Will Young top-scored for New Zealand with 125 off 108 balls. Tim Seifert contributed 58 off 48 balls, while Finn Allen scored 41 off 30 deliveries. Axar Patel led India's bowling effort with figures of 2/39 in 10 overs. Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar also claimed two wickets each. Gaikwad spent New Zealand's innings in the field and is yet to bat. He is expected to open India's chase alongside Rohit Sharma.