ZIM vs IND: India’s best playing XI for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe

India, fresh off their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph against South Africa, are gearing up for their next challenge; a five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe starting Friday (July 6). This series, taking place at Harare Sports Club, will culminate with the fifth and final T20I on Sunday (July 14).

Leadership transition post-T20 World Cup triumph

Following their victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup, key senior players of the Indian team such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have been granted a well-deserved rest. This decision paves the way for Shubman Gill to assume the role of captain, heralding a fresh chapter in India’s T20I cricket.

A youthful and promising squad

Gill will captain a youthful side brimming with talent, including emerging stars from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. For the initial two games, the squad will feature promising players like Sai Sudarshan, Harshit Rana and Jitesh Sharma in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dubey and Rinku Singh respectively.

Also READ: Zimbabwe Cricket announces T20I squad for the India series, Sikandar Raza to captain the team

India’s top-choice playing XI for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe:

• Strengths: Gill is a talented top-order batter known for his solid technique and ability to anchor an innings. He can adapt his game according to the situation and provide stability at the top.
• Quality: He brings leadership skills and a calm demeanor to the captaincy role, along with the ability to score briskly in T20 cricket.

2. Abhishek Sharma:

• Strengths: A left-handed all-rounder, Sharma is known for his aggressive batting and handy left-arm spin bowling. He can provide quick runs in the top order and break partnerships with his bowling.
• Quality: His dual skills add depth to the team’s batting and bowling options.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad:

• Strengths: Gaikwad is a stylish right-handed batter who excels in stroke-play and timing. He can accelerate the innings and play the role of an aggressor in the powerplay overs.
• Quality: His consistency and ability to build partnerships make him a valuable asset in the middle order.

4. Riyan Parag:

• Strengths: Parag is a young and talented middle-order batter who can innovate with his shots and accelerate the scoring rate when needed. He also contributes with his off-spin bowling.
• Quality: His ability to handle pressure situations and finish games makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.

5. Dhruv Jurel (wk):

• Strengths: Jurel is a promising wicketkeeper-batter known for his sound glovework and ability to stabilize the innings in the middle overs. He can adapt his batting according to the team’s requirements.
• Quality: Provides solidity behind the stumps and adds depth to the batting lineup.

6. Washington Sundar:

• Strengths: Sundar is an effective off-spinner and a handy lower-order batter capable of hitting big shots. He can bowl in the powerplay overs and control the middle overs with his accuracy.
• Quality: His ability to restrict runs and pick up crucial wickets makes him a key player in T20 cricket.

7. Ravi Bishnoi:

• Strengths: Bishnoi is a talented leg-spinner known for his variations and ability to deceive batters. He can turn the ball sharply and is effective in breaking partnerships.
• Quality: His attacking mindset and ability to bowl under pressure make him a potent weapon in the spin department.

8. Tushar Deshpande:

• Strengths: Deshpande is a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his pace and ability to generate bounce. He can bowl aggressive spells with the new ball and in the death overs.
• Quality: His attacking bowling style and ability to take wickets make him a valuable asset in the pace department.

9. Avesh Khan:

• Strengths: Khan is a pace bowler with the ability to bowl at good pace and generate bounce. He can swing the new ball and bowl effective yorkers in the death overs.
• Quality: His aggression and ability to take early wickets provide an edge to the bowling attack.

10. Khaleel Ahmed:

• Strengths: Khaleel is a left-arm fast bowler who can swing the ball both ways. He has the knack of picking up early breakthroughs and bowling economical spells in the middle overs.
• Quality: Provides variety to the pace attack and can trouble batter with his angles and change of pace.

11. Mukesh Kumar:

• Strengths: Kumar is a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his accuracy and ability to bowl tight spells. He can generate movement off the pitch and is effective in containing runs.
• Quality: Adds depth to the pace bowling department and provides control in the middle overs.

Also READ: BCCI make changes in India’s squad for 1st and 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe; Sai Sudharsan among the three fresh faces