India and New Zealand head into the fourth T20I of the five match series with contrasting objectives and momentum firmly on India’s side. After dominating the first three matches, India have already sealed the series with a 3–0 lead, underlining their superiority with both bat and ball. The third T20I in Guwahati was a one sided affair, where India chased down a modest target with ruthless efficiency, showcasing the depth and explosiveness of their batting lineup.
In that match, New Zealand struggled to build partnerships and were restricted to a below par total despite brief resistance from Glenn Phillips. India responded with an aggressive chase led by Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, completing the target in just 10 overs. As the series moves to Visakhapatnam, India are expected to experiment with combinations and test bench strength, while New Zealand will aim to salvage pride and restore competitiveness. The fourth T20I offers an opportunity for both teams to recalibrate their approach and adapt to different conditions.
India Squad for T20I Series vs New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi.
New Zealand Squad for T20I Series vs India
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.
India Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs India
Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi
Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam – Key Details
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will host the fourth T20I on January 28, 2026. Established in 2003 and managed by the Andhra Cricket Association, the stadium has emerged as one of India’s scenic and technically demanding venues. Nestled between hills and the coastline, the ground offers a unique blend of atmosphere and playing conditions that often influence match outcomes.
The stadium has a seating capacity ranging between 25,000 and 28,000 spectators, with expansion plans to increase it significantly in the future. Boundary dimensions typically fall between 65 and 67 meters, while the overall field size measures approximately 180 meters by 150 meters. The venue features the Vizzy End and DV Subba Rao End, supported by modern floodlights and infrastructure.
The pitch is known for offering balanced conditions but tends to assist spinners, particularly in night matches when dew becomes a factor. With a lush outfield and modern facilities, the stadium has hosted ODIs, T20Is, IPL matches, and domestic fixtures, establishing itself as a venue where tactical awareness often outweighs brute force.
What Is the Pitch Like at Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam?
The pitch at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium is generally considered batting friendly in the early stages of a match, with consistent bounce and pace allowing stroke makers to play freely. The surface typically offers an even carry, making it easier for batters to time the ball during the powerplay overs. As a result, teams often look to maximize scoring in the initial phase of the innings.
As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow slightly, bringing spinners into the contest. The black soil base provides grip for slower bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, where variations and accuracy become crucial. Fast bowlers, meanwhile, receive limited seam movement but can extract bounce if they hit the right lengths.
In T20 cricket, average first innings scores at this venue generally range between 128 and 168, reflecting the balanced nature of the surface. Dew often plays a significant role in night matches, aiding chasing teams and influencing toss decisions. With boundary dimensions between 65 and 68 meters, the venue suits aggressive batters while still rewarding disciplined bowling.
Key Stats at Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium has produced several competitive T20 contests, highlighting its reputation as a balanced venue. India have played 4 T20I matches at this ground and have won 3 of them, demonstrating their strong record in Visakhapatnam. Interestingly, batting second has often proved advantageous at this venue, with teams successfully chasing targets on multiple occasions.
The ground’s scoring patterns reveal that while high totals are achievable, matches are rarely one dimensional. Spinners have enjoyed success in the middle overs, while pacers have been effective with variations at the death. The relatively short boundaries encourage aggressive batting, but the slowing surface often tests a team’s ability to adapt its approach.
In limited overs cricket overall, Visakhapatnam has witnessed several closely fought encounters where tactical decisions and execution under pressure determined results. The statistics underline that teams capable of balancing aggression with control tend to succeed at this venue. As the fourth T20I approaches, these trends suggest that adaptability and composure will be decisive factors.
IND vs NZ: Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Visakhapatnam for the fourth T20I are expected to remain clear and stable, with no threat of rain. January typically offers pleasant coastal weather, making it an ideal period for cricket. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover in the mid twenties, while evening temperatures may drop slightly, creating comfortable playing conditions for both teams.
Humidity levels are expected to be moderate, which could lead to dew formation during the second innings. This factor often influences toss decisions, with captains preferring to bowl first to take advantage of improved batting conditions later in the match. Wind speeds are forecast to be light and unlikely to affect play significantly.
Overall, weather conditions are set to provide a perfect backdrop for uninterrupted cricket. With no rain expected and stable atmospheric conditions, both teams will be able to focus purely on strategy and execution. Dew could emerge as the only significant external factor influencing the outcome of the match.
India vs New Zealand: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The conditions at Visakhapatnam appear to favor India slightly more than New Zealand. India’s batting lineup is well equipped to exploit batting friendly surfaces, with players capable of accelerating quickly and adapting to slower conditions in the middle overs. Their depth in spin bowling also gives them an advantage on a surface that tends to assist slower bowlers as the match progresses.
India’s bowling attack, featuring a mix of pace and spin, is well suited to the conditions in Visakhapatnam. Spinners can control the middle overs, while pacers can exploit bounce and variations at the death. The team’s familiarity with Indian surfaces further strengthens their advantage.
While the surface does not overwhelmingly favor one side, India’s form, depth, and adaptability give them a marginal edge in Visakhapatnam. If New Zealand are to challenge India, they will need a collective performance that combines disciplined bowling with calculated batting.
FAQs – Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
1. What is the pitch report for Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam?
The pitch offers balanced conditions with early assistance for batters and increasing involvement for spinners as the match progresses. Dew in night matches often aids chasing teams, making toss decisions crucial.
2. What are India’s and New Zealand records at Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam?
India have played 4 T20Is at this venue and won 3 of them, highlighting their strong record. New Zealand have limited experience at this ground, making the upcoming match one of their relatively rare appearances in Visakhapatnam.