The India vs Zimbabwe series is off to a blistering start with the series evenly poised at 1-1 after the first two games. India shook of the first game’s shock defeat with a 100-run win in the 2nd T20I. The 2nd string Indian side took big strides with almost all batters scoring runs in the 2nd match. However, the good form of the batters might be a worrisome sign for Indian skipper Shubman Gill and coach VVS Laxman. A number of members of India’s T20 World Cup team will be available for selection in the IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I.
Quandary for Indian coach, skipper
The T20 World Cup winners were given a break for the Zimbabwe series. But Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube were drafted into the team from the 3rd T20I. However, accommodating them won’t be easy for Shubman Gill. Especially after the stellar performance by the Indian batters in the 2nd T20I.
Centurion Abhishek Sharma to make way for Yashasvi Jaiswal?
If Yashasvi Jaiswal, who did not get a game in the T20 World Cup, is to be drafted into the playing XI, Abhishek Sharma has to be replaced. Abhishek scored a magnificent century in the IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I on Sunday, will not be easy to drop by any means.
Wicketkeeper dilemma
Sanju Samson is the next candidate. The wicketkeeper-batter can either be played in place of Dhruv Jurel or purely as a batter in the top order. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad, batting at one-down, scored an unbeaten 77 to help India pile a massive 234 runs. It is unlikely that Gaikwad would be dropped after the performance.
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Fight for finishers’ role heats up
Shivam Dube, who struggled throughout the T20 World Cup, played a crucial innings in the final. He has assumed the finisher’s role pretty well for his franchise CSK, but has struggled to replicate that form in national colours. Rinku Singh, who was a travelling substitute in the T20 WC, also performed in the 2nd T20I. His innings of 48 off 22 balls showed why he is rated highly as a finisher.
A lot of tough calls will await Shubman Gill and VVS Laxman once India take the field for the 3rd T20I. However, the selection dilemma just goes to show the insane amount of talent India possess at their disposal.
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