IND vs ZIm ODIs: 'Dynamic' Rahul Tripathi set to ODI debut says selectors, Check WHY?

IND vs ZIM ODIs – Rahul Tripathi is all set to make his India debut in Zimbabwe after the Maharashtra-born batsman won his maiden ODI cap for the series. Tripathi has been a stalwart in the IPL and the domestic circuit over the last few years and the 31-year-old was duly rewarded with a call-up to the side with seniors resting for the Zimbabwe tour. A dynamic batsman, Tripathi is being looked at as a dynamic middle-order bat, and a good outing could see him earn a permanent spot in the team. Follow India vs Zimbabwe LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN

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IND vs ZIM ODIs: Rahul Tripathi all set for India DEBUT on Zimbabwe series, selectors want ‘Dynamic batsman in line-up’

Rahul Tripathi’s performances in the domestic circuit and the IPL have impressed the selectors which earned him a call up to the India squad for the series against Zimbabwe. With India opting for a more dynamic approach in limited overs cricket under Rahul Dravid, Tripathi fits the bill as the Men in Blue work on their bench strength with the 2023 ODI World Cup on their mind.

“We need a dynamic batsman in ODIs. The World Cup is more than a year away but we have to work on the bench strength as well. Rahul Tripathi is one such player who keeps the scorecard ticking. We want to have all bases cover and you could seem him play in Zimbabwe,” a member of the selection committee told Insidesport.

IND vs ZIM ODIs: Rahul Tripathi all set for India DEBUT on Zimbabwe series, selectors want ‘Dynamic batsman in line-up’

Rahul Tripathi has often showcased his versatility in the IPL, batting at a number of positions from the top of the order right down to No.7 at the Kolkata Knight Riders. Last season, Tripathi was given a consistent run at No.3 and he delivered with his best ever IPL season, scoring at a stunning strike rate of 158.24.

Rahul Tripathi in the IPL

Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	CT	ST
2022	14	3	413	76	37.55	261	158.24	0	3	40	20	6	0
2021	17	2	397	74*	28.35	283	140.28	0	2	41	11	8	0

Why Rahul Tripathi could feature in India’s Playing XI vs Zimbabwe?

India have selected a light squad for the ODIs against Zimbabwe, meaning Tripathi is one of the 7 batsmen available.
The 31-year-old’s versatility means he could play at a variety of positions and could slot anywhere in the top 7.
An attacking batsman, Tripathi can rotate the strike well and hit spin and pace with equal ease.
He can also drop anchor and build an innings should the side lose too many wickets early.
India lacks a player dynamic player with Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav both rested with the Asia Cup in mind.

With Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan likely to open, Rahul Tripathi has a shot at batting at No.4 with the likes of Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda batting on either side. Not only can the 31-year-old find the boundary at will, but his intent to keep the scoreboard ticking could also be pivotal in the middle overs of an innings.

The likes of Ravi Shastri and Brian Lara have all given up a huge thumbs up to Tripathi’s selection, labelling him as a tremendous talent. Lara, who worked with him at the Sunrisers Hyderabad as a batting coach said that Tripathi can be an asset and it is his work ethic that sets him apart.

In an interview with ESPNCricinfo earlier, Lara said, “Tripathi will be an asset for team India. He works so hard, he will surely do well as India cricketer. Rahul’s biggest strength is his work ethic. I think he works very hard on his game. He has that mental side as well where he works hard on that side of the game as well. Physically he does whatever he has to do. But I think he prepares in a way that success will just be around the corner.”

India’s squad for 3 ODIs: KL Rahul (Captain) Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Subhuman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Deepak Chahar.