India vs Zimbabwe T20 Playing 11 Prediction: In the last few years, Rohit and Kohli have been out of many bilateral series in T20 cricket. Now after the retirement of both of them from T20 international cricket, their absence will definitely be felt. It is difficult to compensate for this, but then change is the rule of the world.
The five-match T20 series between India and Zimbabwe is starting today. Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India’s young brigade will start a new phase. Amidst the ongoing celebration of the T20 World Cup victory in India, this young team studded with IPL stars led by Shubman Gill will want to start their winning streak.
Abhishek Sharma of Punjab, who performed brilliantly for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, and Riyan Parag of Assam, who played for Rajasthan Royals, can be seen making their debut through this series. Apart from this, Harshit Rana can also make his debut.
Rohit and Kohli will be missed
In the last few years, Rohit and Kohli have been out of many bilateral series in T20 cricket. Now after the retirement of both of them from T20 international cricket, their absence will definitely be felt. It is difficult to compensate for this, but then change is the law of the world. Zimbabwe is not a strong team but there is not much difference between the two teams in the T20 format. In this format, any team can upset anyone.
We have to stay away from Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza, who played for Punjab Kings in the IPL, can prove to be a challenge for India. Shivam Dubey, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be available from the third match itself. India’s future T20 captain Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav will also return to this format in the future, so there is not much space vacant in the playing-11. From now till the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Indian team will play 34 matches in this format. The Indian team will start preparing for the next T20 World Cup from now itself. The players who are successful during this time can get opportunities in the future as well.
Rituraj can bat at number three
Captain Gill will open the innings and it remains to be seen whether his close friend Abhishek Sharma will be seen opening or Chennai Super Kings captain Rituraj Gaikwad will get a chance to open. Rituraj has also played at number three for Chennai Super Kings and in such a situation he can be played at this position. In such a situation, Riyan Parag can bat at number four. Parag scored a lot of runs while batting at number four in the IPL. He was the highest run-scorer uncapped player.
T20 cricket’s aggressive finisher Rinku Singh can come at number five, while either Jitesh Sharma or Dhruv Jurel can be fielded at number six. In bowling, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar are certain to play. Mukesh is a dangerous death overs bowler. However, there can be a competition between Khalil and Harshit Rana. Both performed brilliantly in IPL 2024. Harshit is a very economical bowler. If he gets a chance, he can be the third player to debut for India in this match. Washington Sundar can get a chance till Dubey arrives.
Probable playing-11 of both teams
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Rituraj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khalil Ahmed/Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Sikandar Raza (c), Jonathan Campbell, Antum Naqvi, Clive Madande (wk), Wesley Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.
