With the euphoria of the T20 World Cup 2024 victory settling down, a new chapter for Indian cricket is about to begin. The Men in Blue travel to Harare for a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 6. This series provides a platform for exciting young talents to stake their claim in the post-Rohit, Kohli era. Let’s delve into India’s probable playing XI for the series opener.
Shubman Gill to lead the charge but with who?
Starting his career as a flamboyant top-order player, Shubman Gill is just a few hours away from becoming only the 12th Indian to lead the national side in a T20 international. He will act as a glue to the batting, as far as the top-order is concerned. With him taking the mantle as a captain, it is unquestionable if Gill would open the innings or not.
Having said that, when the team was initially announced, it was more or less certain on who would partner Gill at top. It was Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, with the Hurricane Beryl delaying his stay in Barbados, he, alongside Shivam Dube, and Sanju Samson are not available for the first two T20 internationals. With this, India have three options for the opening spot, i.e., Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma and Sai Sudharsan (who is only for first 2 games).
Abhishek Sharma or Ruturaj Gaikwad?
In order to add that X-factor into the team and continue playing with aggressive intent, the management should certainly hand Abhishek Sharma the debut cap and ask him to do what he was perfectly adept in doing in this year’s IPL. He completely tore apart opposition bowlers and India could usher into their 2026 cycle with his immaculate striking abilities. With Abhishek opening the innings with Gill, it would also mean that Gaikwad would be pushed at No. 3. While he is predominantly an opener, we saw Gaikwad coming at one down for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as well this season and hence he could be the one to provide that stability at the top-order.
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Riyan Parag to make his debut?
The middle-order is more or less likely to see a new name in the national setup. And it could be none other than Riyan Parag, who has been on quite a roll since last 12 months. He was unstoppable at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023 for Assam, where he racked up 510 runs at a ridiculous average of 85.00. However, his true breakout moments came during IPL 2024, where he repaid the faith shown on him by the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Parag gave a fitting testament to his immense talent, mustering 573 runs (the third-most in the tournament).
Rinku redemption arc!
It would come as a massive surprise if India doesn’t put Parag at No. 4 in the opening T20I. He would take on the middle-overs and finishing duties alongside the likes of Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel. There would certainly be quite a lot of eyes on Rinku, who could have easily been a T20 World Cup 2024 champion himself but missed out on the main squad by a whisker. Regardless, he would take this opportunity to showcase why there’s hardly any finisher like him in the country.
For the wicket-keeping role, there’s a toss up between another RR rising star, Dhruv Jurel, and Jitesh Sharma. It was only a few months ago that Jitesh was probably India’s first-choice keeper in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Jitesh has that power game in him and is one of the few who do the double role of being a finisher and a glovesman. However, a horrible IPL 2024 meant he was not in the T20 World Cup talks and wasn’t even considered for the Zimbabwe T20Is. Jitesh is in the team because Sanju Samson was not available for the first two games.
This has opened the gates wide open for Dhruv Jurel, who already impressed at the international arena during the Test series against England earlier this year. On a first-choice preferential pick, the VVS Laxman-coached side (only temporarily, of course) is expected to start with Jurel.
Toss up between Avesh Khan and Harshit Rana?
India’s bowling line-up is anticipated to be on the expected lines. BCCI has selected just two frontline spinners for the entire tour, and they are Washington Sundar, who will also act as an all-rounder, and Ravi Bishnoi. The two will bat around number seven and eight. Sundar also gives a terrific option to bowl during the powerplay as well. The off-spinner would be adamant about making this series count, especially giving himself a proper chance as a possible long-term replacement player for Ravindra Jadeja.
Two Delhi Capitals (DC) pacers, Khaleel Ahmed, who was among the T20 World Cup reserves, and Mukesh Kumar, are nothing but confirmed to be the sureshot starters. While Khaleel would be the troublemaker with the new ball, Mukesh’s brilliant death bowling exploits could be there to see for the Indian fans as well.
The one potential area of debate could be for that third pacer spot. While Avesh Khan’s spot is likely not to be changed, the addition of Harshit Rana has added a layer of intrigue. Rana was simply one of the most exciting pacers in IPL 2024 and was one of the many reasons why the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lifted the trophy. He is an all-phase bowler and has that extra pace in him that might be missing otherwise. Moreover, he has a first-class century to his name as well, meaning he can be an ideal candidate at eight or nine.
Having said that, Avesh was also among the initial names in the squad and was even among the T20 World Cup reserves. With him being the more senior option as compared to Rana, India are highly expected to start with Avesh.
Predicted Team India Playing XI vs ZIM for 1st T20I
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Riyan Parag
- Rinku Singh
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan/ Harshit Rana
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Kumar
India vs Zimbabwe Schedule
| T20I No. | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 6 | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| 2 | July 7 | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| 3 | July 10 | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| 4 | July 13 | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| 5 | July 14 | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
