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The young Indian team led by Shubman Gill has begun their journey to Zimbabwe on July 2 for a five-match T20I series against the African nation, scheduled from July 6 to 16. VVS Laxman will be guiding the team as coach for this series.
Following their recent T20 World Cup victory, all senior Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, have opted to rest from T20I cricket and announced their retirements.
This series provides an opportunity for emerging Indian players to showcase their potential. Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube are among those joining the squad in Zimbabwe, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy due to injury.
Shubman Gill, who was on standby during the T20 World Cup, is part of the squad along with Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. The five T20Is will take place in Harare on July 6, 7, 10, 13, and 14, all beginning at 1 pm IST. India’s last tour to Zimbabwe was in 2022 under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy.
The BCCI has shared images of the young players departing with coach VVS Laxman. Several players are making their debut for India in this tour, highlighting its significance for individuals like Riyan Parag, who impressed during the IPL with 573 runs in 15 games at an average of 52.09.
Here are some photos shared by BCCI
Shubman Gill, along with Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh, were part of the reserves for the Indian team. They will now join the rest of the squad in Zimbabwe. Gill, originally a reserve, was granted permission to leave the camp early.
Meanwhile, the specific details of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s injury were not disclosed. His absence has opened the door for Shivam Dube to showcase his ability as a power hitter once again. Dube played crucial roles in the T20 World Cup matches against Australia, Bangladesh, and the USA, including a significant 27 off 16 balls in the final.
The upcoming series will provide a much-needed opportunity for senior Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh to recuperate after an intense T20 World Cup campaign. Each player gave their all in securing India’s victory in the World Cup and now deserves a well-earned break.
On the Zimbabwean side, Sikandar Raza will lead the team, which includes the addition of 25-year-old uncapped batter Antum Naqvi. Some players have retained their spots while a few senior players were not considered for selection.
Returning to the 17-man squad are Tendai Chatara, Brandon Mavuta, and Wessly Madhevere. However, players like Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu did not make the cut. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were also not selected by the board.
India’s T20 squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube.
Zimbabwe Squad: 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
