Zimbabwe will be the opponent for the Indian squad in a five-game T20I series following their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. On Saturday, July 6, the Harare Sports Club will host the series’ opening match. It is important to remember that the Indian team playing in Zimbabwe would be very different from the one that participated in the T20 World Cup.
Against Zimbabwe, Shubman Gill will captain the Men in Blue, who will field a large number of youthful players. Keeping with the same theme, let’s examine India’s likely starting lineup for the opening Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe.
Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 1st T20I Series against Zimbabwe:
Openers – Shubhman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma
Shubman Gill, the captain, and Abhishek Sharma will try to open for Team India. Gill, who was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad, will try to lead from the front and try to create an impact. Gill may get a fantastic chance to show off his skills if he is given the opportunity to play Zimbabwe.
It looks like Abhishek Sharma will be making his much awaited India debut. Abhishek Sharma will try to bat as aggressively as can against Zimbabwe after doing admirably in the IPL 2024.
Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rinku Singh
Four players could make up India’s middle order; lead batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad is anticipated to start and provide stability for the Men in Blue. Gaikwad has represented India in 19 Twenty20 Internationals, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 140.05.
The young Riyan Parag may also play his first T20I match for India against Zimbabwe. As one of the team’s top run scorers in the IPL 2024, the 22-year-old had a breakout season for the Rajasthan Royals. He’ll try to take a lot of criticism and make the most of his debut.
India’s wicketkeeper against Zimbabwe may be Dhruv Jurel. Jurel, who hasn’t yet made his Indian white-ball debut, will want to take advantage of the chance as well. The top batter has excelled for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and in Test matches for the Indian team.
India’s middle class could be completed by Rinku Singh. Rinku was picked as a reserve player for the T20 World Cup, but he did not represent the Men in Blue at the main tournament. He will, nevertheless, want to do well in the series versus Zimbabwe.
All-rounder: Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar might be the only all-round player for India against Zimbabwe. Sundar last competed for India in a Twenty20 International in January 2024, and he may play in the shorter format one more. With 43 T20I matches under his belt, Sundar has amassed 107 runs with 34 wickets taken.
Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi
Three pacers and one specialist spinner might make up the Indian bowling assault. In the opening Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar might lead the bowling assault. The bowler has claimed 12 wickets in his 14 T20I appearances for Mukesh Kumar. Avesh Khan has participated in 20 Twenty20 Internationals for India, amassing 19 wickets.
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India’s team against Zimbabwe may include Khaleel Ahmed as well. Ahmed has taken 13 wickets in his 14 T20 Internationals for India. He will try to perform well against Zimbabwe as well. Finally, in the opening Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe, Ravi Bishnoi may be India’s go-to specialist spinner. Bishnoi, who has taken 36 wickets in 24 Twenty20 Internationals, has represented India when given the opportunity, and his performance may be vital.
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