The match will be played at Harare Sports Club on 18th August, 12:45 PM
Indian batter Deepak Hooda
A look at the teams so far
India last toured Zimbabwe in 2016 for a 3 match-ODI series. The Men in Blue whitewashed the series with a dominating performance in all 3 departments of the game.
Things are rocky in the Indian lineup. Shikhar Dhawan, a veteran in Indian cricket has been replaced by KL Rahul as skipper upon his return to the squad. Senior player and former captain Virat Kohli has been rested after a prolonged lean patch. Leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah too has been ruled out of the series due to an injury. India is coming in with a second string squad.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is walking in with their heads held high after defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in the ODI series recently.
Spotlight: KL Rahul
KL Rahul addressing the team ahead of the first ODI
After a long battle with a hamstring injury and COVID-19, KL Rahul returns to the squad after getting medical clearance by the BCCI.
Stakes are high for the returning skipper, Rahul has to prove his captaincy skills. Time is of the concern ahead of the Asia Cup 2022; the batter has to get back on track in order to stabilise his position in the Indian batting lineup.
Majority of Rahul's success came at number 5 but the Indian management is reluctant to slot in the right-hander at the top order.
It will be tempting to see how the experimental captain performs under pressure.
Key Players
- KL Rahul
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Deepak Hooda
Live Streaming: Fancode, Sony
Pitch Report: A batting pitch, high scores have always been witnessed at Harare. The surface gives assistance to the batters, the top has a fair bit of bounce and the ball comes onto the bat nicely.
Fantasy CREX XI
Wicket-keeper: Ishan Kishan
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Innocent Kaia
All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Deepak Hooda, Shahbaz Ahmed
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Donald Tiripano, Richard Ngarava
Captain: Lokesh Rahul
Vice-Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
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