No Gaikwad, Nitish Reddy; Open Gill-Jasiwal? India’s Probable XI for Zimbabwe T20Is | cricket.one

Shubman Gill and Jasiwal open against ZIM (X.com)

Team India will take on Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series starting on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club.

After the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has made some surprising announcements, choosing to rest notable players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Instead, a youthful side will take the field under new captain, Shubman Gill.

Men in Blue leader Shubman Gill is expected to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal, a left-hander, has shown remarkable resilience and skill, making him preferred over the right-hander Ruturaj Gaikwad.

In the one-down position, all-rounder Abhishek Sharma will step in. Sharma, who made a significant impact for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL by scoring 484 runs in 16 innings, including three fifties, brings both batting depth and bowling options.

Following him at number four is Riyan Parag, the Assam batsman who impressed in the IPL with 573 runs in 15 innings, including four fifties.

The middle order consists of Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh. Samson, in excellent form and serving as wicketkeeper, alongside Rinku, known for his finishing skills, strengthens the line-up considerably. Washington Sundar, who plays as an all-rounder, adds balance to the team with his dual abilities.

In the bowling department, India will rely on the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed, while the rest may get a chance later, but not ideally as primary weapons.

India XI is likely to play against Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed