Harare, Zimbabwe

Just a day after the senior men’s team celebrated their T20 World Cup-winning triumph in Mumbai, a new-looking Indian Team will face Zimbabwe in the first of the five matches in Harare on Saturday (July 6). Per the latest reports, India will field a few debutants, including attacking all-rounder Abhishek Sharma and middle-order batter Riyan Parag. While Shubman Gill will lead the team, a couple of new faces in the pace attack could also take the field.

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In the absence of seniors, including in the backroom staff, the NCA head, VVS Laxman, will coach the Indian Team on this tour. Per the latest reports, Captain Gill will open alongside debutant Abhishek, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at number three. Per Riyan Parag’s batting position in the IPL (where he plays for Rajasthan Royals), he will continue to bat at number four. 

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Although no reports of top-order batter Sai Sudharsan playing are done rounds, India could play Jitesh Sharma (wk) and Dhruv Jurel in the lower order. Washington Sundar will play at number seven, while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will also make the cut. 

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With several options in the pace attack, the Indian Team might go ahead with Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar and either Khaleel Ahmed or Harshit Rana.

Youngsters to lead the way

With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from the T20Is following the T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados, their replacements are in the making in the background. 

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With several newcomers likely to get an extended run in this five-match series, the performers might get picked for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka later in the month.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma, who was handy for SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL this year, pairing with Travis Head and tearing into oppositions at will. His attacking stroke play, with his slow left-arm spin, provides the captain with extra cushion of an all-rounder in the side.

Besides Sharma, Riyan Parag will also hog all the limelight. The Assam batter was in brilliant touch throughout this year, with his exploits in IPL 2024 making his case stronger for selection.

Bishnoi will lead the spin attack, while the onus falls on Avesh Khan and Mukesh Sharma in the seam-bowling department. 

1st T20I: Team India’s Predicted Playing XI against Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Harshit Rana and Mukesh Kumar

(With inputs from agencies)