In Zimbabwe’s fourth Twenty20 international match, India’s pacer Tushar Deshpande took Avesh Khan‘s place in Harare.
Avesh was rested for the fourth Twenty20 International since the bowler is probably going to go with the team for the series against Zimbabwe. Avesh was in incredible form, taking six wickets in three matches, which he shared for the most with Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi.
In the meanwhile, Tushar will play his first international match against Zimbabwe. The Mumbai-born bowler initially gained attention in 2023 after an incredible IPL performance. He gained 17 wickets in 13 IPL games in 2024, which aided in his inclusion in the national squad. He will team up with Khaleel Ahmed in an attempt to help India win the series. Bishnoi and Sundar, among the spinners, are still in the playing XI.
In the meantime, India chose to bowl first after winning the toss. The match will be played on a new surface, which skipper Shubman Gill analysed and thought may benefit the fast bowlers. He also anticipates improved bowling from India in the last over, given their severe struggles in the previous Twenty20 International.
“Let’s bowl first. It appears to be a new wicket. I hope the quick bowlers will have something to gain from it. Where we can become better is in the death bowling. We became a touch too comfortable (in the previous game). At the toss, Gill remarked, “Tushar Deshpande makes his debut in place of Avesh Khan.”
Zimbabwe dismisses Masakadaza Wellington
Additionally, Wellington Masakadza was replaced by Faraz Akram in Zimbabwe’s roster. Masakadaza had stated earlier in the series that he wanted to get rid of Gill, but he was unable to accomplish so in the opening three Twenty20 Internationals. In the meantime, the Zimbabwean team management made the decision to bring in Arkam in an attempt to bolster their batting line, which has struggled in the previous few games.
Our goal was to bat first. The wicket has a tendency to slow down over time. We have big plans for 2026, and the only way we can improve is to play more games. Let’s hope that our top three can connect. We propose that each of the three departments deliver work. The boys need food. Masakadaza Wellington is left out. Sikandar Raza, the captain, remarked, “Faraz Akram comes in.”
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India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Khaleel Ahmed.
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Johnathan Campbell, Faraz Akram, Clive Madande (wk), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara.
India
