Captain Gill And Abhishek To Open, Confirmed? IND's Probable XI For 1st T20I vs ZIM
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill practicing (X.com)
India is all set to engage in a significant clash with Zimbabwe in the first match of the India Tour of Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 6. The five-match T2OI series is expected to introduce some fresh faces as India begins its search for the 'next-gen'.
Shubman Gill, who will lead the Men In Blue, will be opening alongside his fellow statemate Abhishek Sharma if reports are to be believed. Furthermore, Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer for his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings, will be batting at No. 3.
Gaikwad has been a flexible player throughout his career, although he is a natural opener. In the 2024 Maharashtra Premier League season, he batted at No. 5 and kept wickets, too; hence, he can easily mould himself according to the requirements of the game.
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India's middle order will be strengthened by Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel, who will be crucial in the middle overs of the game.
Gill To Opt Dhruv Jurel Over Jitesh Sharma
While Jitesh Sharma was named as a replacement for Sanju Samson in the first 2 T2OIs, Jurel is expected to be the prime choice as the wicketkeeper until Samson arrives. Also, it will be worth questioning whether T20 World Cup 2024 winners Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal will find a spot in the Playing XI upon their arrival; however, that's a question for the future.
On the bowling front, India will likely go ahead with two spinners and three pacers: Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed.
Let's take a look at India's probable XI against Zimbabwe:
IND's Probable XI For vs ZIM
Shubman Gill (C), Abhishek Sharma,Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel(WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed
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 (1).jpg "IND vs ZIM: Tactical")
 "Muskaan Bhatt")
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