ZIM Vs IND: Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma Likely To Make India Debuts In First T20I Against Zimbabwe

Both Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma were splendid with the bat for their respective teams in the Indian Premier League last season.

Harare: As the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma, continue to soak in the accolades of their T20 World Cup at home, a new-look Indian team embark on a new journey in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe that starts on Saturday in Harare. Shubman Gill, who was on the reserve list in the T20 World Cup, will hit the refresh button as captain of the side, along with a bunch of IPL performers.

Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are yet to arrive in Zimbabwe and will be available from the third match onwards. This gives the young and new faces to prove their mettle in only a couple of games. Among them are Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma, who took IPL 2024 by storm.

While Gill is certain to open the batting, it is to be seen whether he chooses Sharma over Ruturaj Gaikwad as his opening partner. In case, Gaikwad opens the batting, then left-handed Sharma can come down to No.3. Another possibility is that Gill might bat at No.3 with Sharma and Gaikwad opening the batting against an young and inexperienced Zimbabwean side.

Parag, who shined bright at No.4 at Rajasthan Royals, is certain to bat in the same position with Rinku Singh coming in at No.5. One among Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson will don the gloves behind the stumps and bat at No.6. The bowling department will be headed by Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed, both of whom were a part of India’s T20 World Cup reserve list.

Mukesh Kumar might pip IPL 2024-winning Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Harshit Rana due to his experience at death. Washington Sundar with his all-round abilities will hold his place along with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the spin department.

ZIM Vs IND Squads

India (first 2 games): Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana.

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba.