Team India is all set to play a five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. With a total of five pacers—Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar, and Tushar Deshpande—chosen for the squad, the big question is: which three will make the playing XI for the 1st T20I?
Khaleel Ahmed will take the spot
The lone left-arm pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, seems like a guaranteed starter in the first T20. His stellar performance in IPL 2024 earned him a place in the T20 World Cup reserves. In IPL 2024, he took 17 wickets in just 14 matches.
Avesh Khan is the regular starter
Another bowler with a strong case for selection is Avesh Khan. He displayed great form in the last two years for India, becoming the regular starter in the T20. The last T20 he played was against Afghanistan this year in January. Khan continued his good form in IPL 2024, grabbing 19 wickets in 16 matches.
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Deshpande needs to wait for his turn
Tushar Deshpande, despite his talent, might have to wait for his chance in the first T20I. While he has a great show at the 2024 IPL, he might not be able to make it into the starting lineup for India.
The dilemma between Mukesh Kumar and Harshit Rana
The real battle lies between the experienced Mukesh Kumar and the young gun, Harshit Rana. Rana made his place in the Indian squad as three players, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, and Sanju Samson, were unavailable for the first two games. Harshit, a promising young talent, might make his way into the playing XI.
In IPL 2024, Rana grabbed 19 wickets in just 13 matches. On the other hand, Mukesh brings valuable experience to the table; having played 12 T20Is for India, he might make his place in the 11 in the last three T20s.
India Predicted XI
Shubman Gill (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Harshit Rana and Khaleel Ahmed.
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