India vs Zimbabwe: Predicted India Playing XI

After clinching the T20 World Cup 2024, a much younger India squad, led by skipper Shubman Gill, will take on Zimbabwe in the upcoming five-match T20I series from July 6 to July 14, 2024. With the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, youngsters have a massive opportunity to seal their spot in the shortest format. Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tushar Deshpande, Avesh Khan and others who were top-class in the IPL 2024 season will finally get a chance to represent India on the International stage. Meanwhile, the dashing opener Shubman Gill will look to make a statement as the Indian captain and hope to put on a solid show. In this blog, we take a look at the predicted India Playing XI for the India vs Zimbabwe T20 Internationals.

India vs Zimbabwe T20 International Series: Predicted India Playing XI

1. Gill, Jaiswal and Gaikwad - A Golden Opportunity to replace Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement from the T20I format soon after India's victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 leaves a massive opportunity at the top. After winning the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the T20I format after years of service to the Indian team. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the possible batters who can come into the top order to replace this iconic duo. 

Talking about the India squad SWOT Analysis, the left-handed opening batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal, is set to make a comeback to the side after warming the bench throughout the T20 World Cup 2024. The swashbuckling southpaw will open the batting with skipper Shubman Gill as they will aim to get India off to a flying start. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to occupy the all-important number three position.

2. Sanju, Rinku and Dube - A middle order that can take the Zimbabwe bowlers to cleaners

Veteran Sanju Samson and explosive finishers Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube will be a formidable Indian middle order. Shivam Dube has been named as a replacement for the injured Nitish Reddy in India's squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Dube played a massive role in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, taking on the South African bowlers right from the word go. 

Sanju Samson is expected to be the first-choice wicket-keeper batter. Rinku Singh was one of the travelling reserves for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and will be looking to entertain fans with his finishing fireworks. The five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe is a perfect scenario for the lower middle-order batters to establish themselves after an explosive IPL 2024 season.

3. Specialist spinners and new pace attack for India

Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi are the specialist spinners in the India squad. Talking about the Indian spin combination for the exciting India vs Zimbabwe T20 International series, there isn't much of a surprise. Despite having Abhishek Sharma in the mix, India will opt for the more experienced duo of Sundar and Bishnoi as they head into the first game at the iconic Harare Sports Club. Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar will be India's frontline pacers, filling in the shoes of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

Predicted India Playing XI for India vs Zimbabwe first two T20Is

However, in a sudden change of plans, the BCCI men's Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe. Originally slated to join the Zimbabwe-bound squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series starting Saturday, July 6, the trio will travel to India first with the rest of the T20 World Cup-winning India squad before departing for Harare.

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed

India squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana.

VVS Laxman - Interim head coach for India vs Zimbabwe T20 International Series

With VVS Laxman taking over as the interim head coach in Rahul Dravid's absence, this India tour of Zimbabwe is a crucial stepping stone for the future of Indian cricket. The Indian youngsters will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience against the Zimbabwe national cricket team and solidify their claim for a permanent spot in the India squad for the shortest format.

India vs Zimbabwe T20 International series details

The India vs Zimbabwe five T20Is will be played entirely at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Here's a complete look at the series schedule:

1st T20I: Saturday, July 6, 4:30 PM IST
2nd T20I: Sunday, July 7, 4:30 PM IST
3rd T20I: Wednesday, July 10, 4:30 PM IST
4th T20I: Saturday, July 13, 4:30 PM IST
5th T20I: Sunday, July 14, 4:30 PM IST