India have the ODI series tucked well in their bag. However, their relentless drive to win and unwavering courage to experiment, the key ingredients to their flourishing success, are far from over. With Virat Kohli rested for the remainder of the tour, Rohit Sharma will be leading the Men in Blue.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have experienced a tumultuous month. After reaching the apex of their confidence and prowess against Sri Lanka in the first half of the month, the Kiwis have had a starkly contrasting second half. From boasting of the best win-loss record at home – losing only two matches since the series against South Africa in 2014-15 – to facing three defeats on the trot, the Blackcaps have been left with much pondering to do.

However, with the pressure of winning the series off their shoulders, the two teams will focus solely on building their strongest sides to field at the ICC World Cup 2019. Let us analyse how the two teams could be lined up for the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

From the Indian dressing room:

Rohit – India’s stand-in captain – will be eager to step up with a clean sweep in sight. Despite the absence of a player of Kohli’s might, India will be far from affected given the fine form of the openers and batsmen, in general.

That the Hitman will be donning his 200th ODI cap for India will make the occasion even more special.

While the squad has seasoned players such as Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and the likes, waiting expectantly at the opposite side of the spectrum will be a hopeful Shubman Gill. With an overpowering figure cut out from the line-up, there is room for a batsman.

From all the options available for the spot, Gill seems like the most exciting candidate. The youngster, averaging over 60 in the Indian domestic season 2018-19, has got the country talking in anticipation about his first ODI cap.

Hardik Pandya’s return to the side was crucial, to say the least. With impressive figures of 45/2 and his athleticism in the outfield, Pandya made sure that he proved his worth in the side. MS Dhoni has recovered fully from his sore hamstring, India could have a choice to make between MSD and Dinesh Karthik.

With Mohammed Shami bagging two back-to-back Player of the Match awards for his stellar show with the ball, the pacer could well be rested. Either Khaleel Ahmed or Mohammed Siraj could be given a chance to redeem themselves after giving mediocre performances in Australia.

If India continue playing Kuldeep and Chahal or give one of the spin twins rest by allowing Jadeja a chance as a specialist spinner will be interesting to see.

From the New Zealand dressing room:

The series is lost, but the Kiwis will now be looking at the bigger picture, one of the magnitude of the World Cup coming in four months. The biggest positive for them is Ross Taylor rekindling his form and being among the runs again. His 100+ run-stand with Tom Latham will need replication if the Kiwis seek to build up their batting force.

The dearth of runs from openers, Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, continues to be a perennial problem for the Blackcaps. A considerably good batting track at Seddon Park should give the pair another opportunity to find their touch.

The recalling of Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle will bring a glimmer of hope for the team. The two find their place in the squad at the expense of Doug Bracewell and Ish Sodhi, who have been rather lustreless in the series so far with the ball.

Neesham will be expected to pick up right where he left the Sri Lankan series, with a handy 123 runs and six wickets in three ODIs.

The Kiwi camp will gain confidence from their record of six wins out of the last seven matches at Seddon Park.

Though the 4th ODI is a dead-rubber, it will not be taken lightly by the Kiwis in particular. It will be interesting to see if they can make full use of Kohli’s absence and get their first win in the series.

The fourth one-day international will start at 7:30 AM IST in Hamilton.