The T20 World Cup 2024 may be wrapping up, but the spotlight is already shifting to the upcoming India vs Zimbabwe T20 series. This series will be a fresh start, especially with a new head coach likely to be Gautam Gambhir, and a focus on giving opportunities to IPL 2024’s standout performers. Veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will take a break, paving the way for emerging talents.
India vs Zimbabwe T20 Series: A New Era Kicking off on July 6, the India vs Zimbabwe T20 series will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Team India. The squad announcement is expected next week, potentially delayed to include input from the incoming coach. “The squad is supposed to be announced by next week. But Ajit (Agarkar) might discuss a few names with the new coach. If the coach’s selection is delayed, they’ll announce the squad anytime next week,” said a senior BCCI official.
Rest for the Stalwarts Key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya will sit out this series. “All the players have had a long IPL and T20 World Cup. They all need workload management. Whether Rishabh will play in Zimbabwe will depend on his condition,” the BCCI official added.
Who Will Lead? With Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant likely to rest, the captaincy for the Zimbabwe series is expected to fall to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad previously led India to a gold medal in the Asian Games and is poised for a return as captain.
Rising Stars from IPL 2024 Regardless of who steps in as the new head coach, the squad will prominently feature IPL performers. Rinku Singh, who narrowly missed the T20 World Cup squad, is set to make the cut. Joining him will be Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, Yash Dayal, and the new pace sensation, Mayank Yadav.
Sanju Samson, despite being a benchwarmer during the T20 World Cup, could extend his stay and play in the Zimbabwe series. Reserve players Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan are also expected to be part of the squad. Shreyas Iyer, however, currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, is slated for the ODI series in Sri Lanka instead.
Predicted India Squad for Zimbabwe Series
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Rinku Singh
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Nitish Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Yash Dayal
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Avesh Khan
- Mayank Yadav
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Riyan Parag
- Rajat Patidar
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
