After their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian team will be taking on Zimbabwe in a five-game T20I series. The first game of the series is all set to be played at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 6. It is worth noting that the Indian side touring Zimbabwe will be a completely different squad than what competed at the T20 World Cup.
The Men in Blue will be led by Shubman Gill against Zimbabwe and will have a plethora of young players on the side. Continuing on the same, let us have a look at the probable XI for India against Zimbabwe in the first T20I.
Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 1st T20I against Ireland:
Openers – Shubhman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma
Team India will look to open with the duo of skipper Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Gill will look to lead from the front and attempt to make a difference after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad. Getting a chance against Zimbabwe could prove to be a good opportunity for Gill to showcase his talent.
Abhishek Sharma could be making his much-anticipated debut for India. Having played exceptionally well in the IPL 2024, Abhishek Sharma will aim to continue his aggressive style of batting against Zimbabwe as well.
Also Check: Zimbabwe vs India Match Preview, 1st T20I
Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rinku Singh
India’s middle order could consist of four players; star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad will be expected to feature and act as an anchor for the Men in Blue. Having played 19 T20Is for India, Gaikwad has amassed 500 runs to his name and has maintained a strike rate of 140.05.
Youngster Riyan Parag could make his India debut in the first T20I against Zimbabwe as well. The 22-year-old had a breakthrough season in the IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals, where he was one of the highest run-getters for the side. He will aim to make the most of his debut and take a big knock.
Dhruv Jurel could be India’s wicketkeeper against Zimbabwe. Yet to make his white-ball debut for India, Jurel will aim to make the most of the opportunity as well. The star batter has impressed in Tests for India and has performed brilliantly for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as well.
Rinku Singh could complete India’s middle-order. Despite being selected as a reserve player for the T20 World Cup campaign, Rinku did not play for the Men in Blue in the marquee event. However, he will look to perform in the series against Zimbabwe.
All-rounder: Washington Sundar
India’s only all-rounder against Zimbabwe could be Washington Sundar. Sundar last played a T20I against India in January 2024, and he could feature for India in the shortest format once again. Having played 43 T20Is, Sundar has taken 34 wickets and scored 107 runs to his name.
Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi
The bowling attack of the Indian team could feature three pacers and one specialist spinner. Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar could look to spearhead the bowling attack against Zimbabwe in the first T20I. Having played 14 T20Is for Mukesh Kumar, the pacer has taken 12 wickets to his name. Avesh Khan has played 20 T20Is for India where he has taken 19 wickets to his name.
Khaleel Ahmed could be another pacer in India’s lineup against Zimbabwe. With 14 T20Is played for India, Ahmed has taken 13 wickets to his name and will aim to put in a good showing against Zimbabwe as well. Lastly, Ravi Bishnoi could be the specialist spinner in India’s arsenal against Zimbabwe in the first T20I. With 36 wickets in 24 T20Is, Bishnoi has performed for India whenever given the chance and his performance could be crucial.
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