India’s Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson (PTI Photo)

Thiruvananthapuram: India’s final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday may wear the look of a dead rubber, but scratch the surface and it is anything but. With the series already sealed 3-1, the immediate result matters far less than the larger destination. Every road now leads to the T20 World Cup, and this game represents India’s final dress rehearsal — the last chance to bring clarity to combinations, roles and intent before the real business begins on Feb 7.

For the team management, this is about polishing the rough edges and turning promise into a well-oiled machine. Winning has been reassuring, but the focus has shifted decisively towards preparation. Against an ultra-competitive New Zealand, India have been able to test depth, temperament and adaptability — precisely the boxes they need to tick ahead of a showpiece event.Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was candid on the eve of the match about the series’ importance in shaping India’s World Cup blueprint. Rhythm, he stressed, comes from time in the middle — from playing across conditions, experimenting with combinations and giving players clearly defined opportunities.“It’s been a very important series for us,” Kotak said. “Before the World Cup, as many days as you play, you start finding your rhythm, your combinations, and you try to give players opportunities. That’s what these games are for.”That philosophy has guided India’s selection calls so far. Kotak underlined that decisions are being made with balance and long-term planning in mind, rather than being driven by short-term numbers. The emphasis is on building a batting unit that can attack relentlessly without losing its structural integrity.At the heart of those discussions is the top order. India are keen to lock in combinations that allow aggression in the powerplay while retaining flexibility for different match scenarios. Tilak Varma continues to be central to that thinking — a batter who embodies the aggressive core India want, but with the adaptability to adjust gears as situations demand.The wicketkeeper-batter slot is another moving piece. Kotak acknowledged the value Ishan Kishan brings whenever he plays, highlighting his ability to keep wickets and bat at the top — a versatility that mirrors what Sanju Samson offers. “Whenever Ishan plays, he tends to bat well,” Kotak noted.“He is most likely to feature tomorrow, subject to final clearance from the physio,” Kotak added.That call could shape India’s batting template, particularly with an eye on explosive starts in the powerplay — a non-negotiable in modern T20 cricket.For India, this final outing is about arriving at the World Cup with a settled framework and clear roles. The jigsaw puzzle is nearly complete; Thiruvananthapuram offers the last chance to fit the final piece.