In a fresh push for nurturing young talent, India have announced a vibrant squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 6 in Harare.
The team will be captained by Shubman Gill, who led the Gujarat Titans franchise in IPL 2024.
The selection panel has opted for youth over experience, giving maiden T20I call-ups to promising players who shone in the recently concluded IPL 2024. Among the debutants are Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Tushar Deshpande, all of whom have made significant impacts in the domestic circuit and the IPL.
A focus on new personnel
Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic opener from Sunrisers Hyderabad, makes the cut after a phenomenal IPL season where he scored 484 runs at a striking rate of 204.21, including the most sixes in the tournament. His aggressive batting at the top has been a revelation and is expected to bring the same intensity to the international stage.
Riyan Parag, from Rajasthan Royals, also earned his spot after a breakthrough IPL season, scoring 573 runs and proving his mettle as a reliable middle-order batsman. His ability to handle pressure and score consistently has made him one of the exciting prospects for India’s future in the shorter format.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad, has impressed with both bat and ball. His composed innings and useful spells with the ball during the IPL have showcased his all-round capabilities, making him a valuable addition to the squad.
Tushar Deshpande, the leading wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, has been rewarded for his consistent performances. His ability to pick crucial wickets and maintain a decent economy rate has made him a key figure in the CSK bowling lineup.
The squad also includes seasoned young players like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, alongside Dhruv Jurel who has been selected as the second wicketkeeper. The inclusion of these players hint at which direction India are looking to take the T20I squad.
India’s tour of Zimbabwe is not just a series of five games immediately after the T20 World Cup but a stepping stone for these young talents to cement their places in the national team. With the T20 World Cup just concluded, this tour will provide the necessary international exposure to these youngsters and prepare them for more challenging contests ahead.
Overall, the squad selection reflects India’s strategy of investing in future stars, focusing on building a robust team that can sustain the rigors of international cricket.
India squad for Zimbabwe tour
Full India squad: Ꮪhubman Gill (c), 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, Tushar Deshpande.
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Spotlight on Uncapped Players
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma had a standout IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, amassing a staggering 484 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 204.21, which included hitting the most sixes in the tournament. His powerful performance, characterized by aggressive batting at the top of the order, not only won him accolades but also his maiden call to the Indian T20I team. Unlike some of the other top-order batters, Abhishek Sharma also bowls, adding a valuable second skill that India sorely miss.
Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande’s performance for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. He was the top wicket-taker for his team, with notable performances including a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad that helped CSK to a significant victory. His ability to strike in crucial moments, particularly in the power-play overs, has been a game-changer for his team.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Reddy, a 21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder, impressed with both bat and ball for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Scoring 303 runs and taking key wickets, Reddy demonstrated a temperament well-suited for international cricket. His all-round abilities and consistent performance under pressure have earned him a spot in the national squad. Nitish is still a bit raw, but expect him to make a significant impact on his debut tour with the Indian team.
Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag’s evolution was on full display during the IPL 2024, where he excelled for Rajasthan Royals by scoring 573 runs in 16 innings, making him the third-highest run-getter of the season. His ability to perform under pressure, highlighted by scoring 40 or more in several innings, underscores his potential as a valuable middle-order batsman for India.
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- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
