IND vs NZ 4th T20I: Five Key Reasons Behind India’s Defeat in Visakhapatnam
IND vs NZ 4th T20I: Five Key Reasons Behind India’s Defeat in Visakhapatnam
Team India faced an unexpected setback in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Having already taken control of the five-match series, the Indian side entered the game with confidence, but things quickly slipped out of hand. New Zealand delivered a dominant performance and handed India a comprehensive 50-run defeat — their first win of the series — leaving fans stunned.
India’s loss was not the result of a single mistake. Instead, several crucial performances failed to click at the right time. From batting collapses to expensive bowling spells, multiple factors combined to derail India’s chase. Here’s a closer look at the five players whose underwhelming outings played a major role in India’s defeat.
Sanju Samson couldn’t anchor the innings
Sanju Samson was expected to shoulder responsibility in the middle order and guide the chase with a composed knock. While he did score 24 runs from 15 deliveries, the innings lacked stability when the team needed it most. His dismissal came at a critical stage, and losing him early under pressure further unsettled India’s run chase.
Suryakumar Yadav failed to lead from the front
With opener Abhishek Sharma falling on the very first ball, captain Suryakumar Yadav walked in with the responsibility of steadying the innings. Unfortunately, the Indian skipper couldn’t make an impact and was dismissed after scoring just 8 runs off 8 balls. His early exit exposed the middle order and allowed New Zealand to tighten their grip on the match.
Hardik Pandya couldn’t rise to the occasion
In big matches, expectations are always high from an experienced all-rounder like Hardik Pandya. However, the fourth T20I turned out to be a forgettable outing for him with the bat. He managed only 2 runs from 5 balls, and his dismissal came at a time when India desperately needed a counter-attack. His brief stay at the crease proved to be a major blow to India’s chances.
Harshit Rana endured a tough day
Harshit Rana struggled to find rhythm throughout the match. With the ball, he had a difficult outing, conceding 54 runs in his four overs without claiming a wicket. The New Zealand batters targeted him effectively, adding to India’s troubles. His batting contribution was also minimal, as he scored just 9 runs off 13 balls, making it an all-round disappointing performance.
Ravi Bishnoi couldn’t control the middle overs
India had hoped leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi would apply the brakes during the middle overs, but things didn’t go as planned. He gave away 49 runs and managed to take only one wicket. Bishnoi was unable to build sustained pressure, allowing New Zealand’s batters to keep the scoreboard moving freely.
