Shubhman Gill to lead India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour, Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma get the maiden calls

Summary: The BCCI has named the team for the 5-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Shubman Gill likely to captain India for the first time. 

The BCCI declared on Monday, June 24, that Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team during their forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Over the past year, talented young players have proven themselves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic settings, earning repeated call-ups from India. 

Two of the most impressive players from the IPL 2024 season, Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma, are among the noteworthy call-ups. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a skilled fast-bowling all-rounder for SRH, has also been included in the squad alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson are the only two players in India's T20 World Cup squad. The rest of India's squad has been rested. The squad includes Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, who are currently serving as reserves for the Indian team in the Caribbean Islands.

India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour includes Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Tushar Deshpande.

India has decided to carry only one specialized spinner, former ICC No. 1 T20I bowler Ravi Bishnoi. India's lineup includes a large list of all-rounders. Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Riyan Parag are versatile in both departments. India has made a technical adjustment to their side. Previously, experts and the media criticized India's top five batsmen for failing to contribute to the ball.

Immediately following the T20 World Cup 2024, India will travel to Zimbabwe in July for a five-match T20I series. In a statement released on January 6, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board announced India's visit to Harare. The 5-match T20I series will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from July 6 to July 14. 

Following trips to Zimbabwe for the T20I series in 2010, 2015, and 2016, this is India's fourth visit. India has visited Zimbabwe several times but never played a bilateral series there. Zimbabwe announced in a statement that the tour was confirmed following successful discussions between the BCCI and the Zimbabwe Cricket Authority.