Aakash Chopra Backs Ishan Kishan to Open with Rohit Sharma in Fourth ODI Against New Zealand

Key points

1. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has suggested that Ishan Kishan should open alongside Rohit Sharma in the fourth ODI against New Zealand.
2. The fourth ODI is scheduled for November 13 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
3. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj have left India's ODI squad to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
4. Chopra proposed a batting order featuring Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the top five.
5. Chopra suggested Ruturaj Gaikwad should remain in the middle order rather than return to his usual opening role.
6. Chopra's predicted XI includes Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and either Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammed Siraj.
7. India lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 after the third match was abandoned due to rain.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has backed Ishan Kishan to open alongside Rohit Sharma in the fourth ODI against New Zealand, offering a possible solution to India's reshaped batting order ahead of Friday's match in Mount Maunganui. With Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj unavailable after leaving the ODI squad for Test preparations, India have several places to fill for the final two games of the series.

Chopra's suggestion is to use Kishan at the top and retain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the middle order. The former opener believes the left-right combination with Rohit could give India a balanced start, while allowing Gaikwad to bat in a position where he has previously produced runs. The proposal remains an expert's predicted combination; India's official XI will be confirmed at the toss.

Chopra wants Kishan alongside Rohit

In his assessment of India's options, Chopra said Kishan should be promoted to the opening slot rather than being used in the middle order. He argued that the left-handed batter could complement Rohit and provide a left-right combination from the start of the innings.

The recommendation comes at a time when India must replace Gill at the top. Gill captained the side in the opening matches, while Rahul was part of the first-choice combination and also handled wicketkeeping. Their departures, along with Kamboj's, have opened up opportunities in both the batting and bowling departments.

Kishan is also an option behind the stumps following Rahul's exit. His potential dual role as opener and wicketkeeper would allow India to make a direct adjustment without having to add another specialist wicketkeeper to the playing XI.

Gaikwad tipped to stay in the middle order

Chopra's proposal also addresses the role of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Although opening is a familiar position for Gaikwad, Chopra believes India should continue using him in the middle order, as they have done in his recent opportunities. He referred to Gaikwad's ODI hundred at No. 4 as evidence that the batter can contribute in that role.

Under Chopra's suggested top five, Rohit and Kishan would open, Virat Kohli would bat at No. 3, stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer would follow, and Gaikwad would slot in at No. 5. That arrangement would give India a left-right opening combination while keeping experienced batters in the middle overs.

The selection question is significant because India are already 2-0 ahead in the five-match series. The third ODI was washed out, so a victory in Mount Maunganui would secure the series. The team management must balance the opportunity to test replacements with the immediate goal of finishing the contest.

Chopra's predicted India XI

Beyond the top order, Chopra's proposed XI includes Naman Dhir and Axar Patel as all-round options, with Auqib Nabi at No. 8. He said he would continue with Nabi for both remaining matches and include Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh in the pace group.

Chopra identified the final bowling position as a choice between left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. He suggested that the decision could depend on the conditions at Mount Maunganui, including how the pitch and ground dimensions influence India's balance between spin and pace.

His suggested combination is Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and either Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammed Siraj. This is Chopra's prediction and should not be confused with the confirmed playing XI.

Several changes expected after squad departures

Gill, Rahul and Kamboj have left the ODI group to prepare for the two-Test series that follows. Their absence makes the fourth ODI an important opportunity for the players coming into the side, particularly with Iyer taking charge for the final two matches.

India's 2-0 lead gives the team a chance to seal the series in New Zealand, but the changes will test the depth of the squad. Kishan's role is among the most closely watched decisions, as he could provide a fresh opening option while also taking over wicketkeeping responsibilities.

India aim to seal the series in Mount Maunganui

The fourth ODI will be played at Bay Oval on November 13. India won the first two matches before rain prevented a result in the third, leaving New Zealand needing victories in both remaining games to draw the series.

Chopra's comments add to the discussion around India's likely combination, but the final call rests with the team management. Whether Kishan gets the opportunity to open with Rohit, and whether Gaikwad is retained in the middle order, will become clear when the teams are announced.

SportsLine angle: The fourth ODI offers India a chance to test their bench strength without losing sight of the series result. Kishan's possible promotion is the headline selection question, while Gaikwad's batting position and the choice between Kuldeep and Siraj could shape the balance of the side.