NEW DELHI: As the Indian T20 team embarks on a five-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare starting Saturday, they will do so without their regular talismans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This series offers India a chance to discover and nurture their future stars.
With the excitement of winning the T20 World Cup still fresh, Shubman Gill, a reserve player from the World Cup squad, and several IPL stars will look to make their mark. The entire series will be played in Zimbabwe’s capital, with several newcomers expected to make their international debuts.
Among the potential debutants are Riyan Parag, a promising young Assamese player, and Punjab’s Abhishek Sharma, who had a standout IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both players are well-suited for the T20 format.
Although Rohit and Kohli have missed several bilateral series in recent years, particularly in T20s, their official departure from the format will be felt. Replacing the contributions of these two modern greats is a daunting task, but it is time for the new generation to step up.
While Zimbabwe may not be the strongest opponent, the T20 format often narrows the gap between teams. Led by the fearless Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe could pose a significant challenge at the Harare Sports Club, especially as the conditions change throughout the day.
Strong performances in this series will keep these youngsters in contention when the first-team members return. From the third match onwards, players like Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be available, giving some of the younger players limited opportunities to showcase their skills.
The national team has 34 T20 matches scheduled from now until the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, leaving limited openings in the playing eleven. Returning players like Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav will make competition for spots fierce.
Captain Shubman Gill is expected to open the batting, with Abhishek Sharma or Ruturaj Gaikwad possibly joining him. Gaikwad might bat at number three or switch places with Abhishek if he starts. Riyan Parag has a better chance of debuting due to his ability to bat at number four.
Rinku Singh, seen as India’s future T20 finisher, is projected to bat at number five, with Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma at number six and keeping wickets. Jurel, initially the backup keeper behind Sanju Samson, may start the first two matches before Samson’s arrival.
Mukesh Kumar, known for his consistency in the death overs, might edge out Harshit Rana as the third seamer. Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed remain on standby.
Washington Sundar is likely to retain his spot until Dube arrives, while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is expected to play in all matches.
Squads:
India (first 2 games): Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), 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
