India all set to hand international caps as youth brigade takes on Zimbabwe
As India begins a new era in T20 cricket post the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, the stage is set for several youngsters to receive their maiden international caps when Shubman Gill’s side takes on Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series in Harare on Saturday.
According to sources, at least three players – opener Abhishek Sharma, all-rounder Riyan Parag and wicket-keeper Dhruv Jarel are primed to earn their India bow as the rebuilding phase gathers steam. Skipper Gill confirmed on the eve of the match that the top-order duo of himself and Sharma will look to give the team a flying start. Parag, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League, is also expected to feature higher up the order. Jarel seems set to don the gloves in place of the rested Sanju Samson.
The spin duo of Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi will look to trouble the opposition batsmen. Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed are likely options to lead the pace attack. Rinku Singh has cemented his place in the middle-order and will hold the important number six position.
Debutante spotlight on versatile all-rounder Naqvi
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be buoyed by the return of seasoned duo Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta who have completed bans for doping violations. But all eyes will be on the hard-hitting Antum Naqvi who has swiftly risen the ranks on the back of stellar domestic performances. The Belgium-born all-rounder has all the skills needed to stamp his mark on the international stage. Captain Raza will hope the talented youngster can deliver the goods against a strong Indian line-up.
India and Zimbabwe are set to lock horns in what promises to be an exciting battle as the next generation of cricketers shine under the spotlight. A gripping contest is on the cards when the two sides meet on Saturday.
