Emerging Stars And World Cup Players To Lead India In Zimbabwe T20 Tour

India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour is expected to be announced on Sunday, June 23. The selectors are set to name a team for the five-match T20I series.

The upcoming series in the shortest format of international cricket begins on July 6, eight days after the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The fifth match will be played on July 14.

Team India is likely to send a young squad as senior players will be rested. Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will also not be selected for the series.

The selectors are likely to include several emerging players who had an outstanding IPL 2024. Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma are poised to be named, while emerging player Nitish Kumar Reddy also has a chance of making it to the India squad.

Some Indian players currently in the West Indies for the T20 World Cup may also be included in the tour. It could be a long journey but a detour to Harare for some current members of the Indian team in the T20 World Cup. Here are four players who might be named in the India squad for the Zimbabwe series:

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal was picked for the T20 World Cup but hasn't played a game so far. It seems likely that the veteran leg spinner will be picked for the Zimbabwe tour, providing him with some opportunities.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

India opted to open the batting with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which has kept Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the team. The southpaw had an excellent IPL 2024 but has been warming the benches in the T20 World Cup. Hence, he may get his chance in Zimbabwe.

Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube has been used as a batter and is getting regular game time in the T20 World Cup. However, Dube may also be included in the Zimbabwe squad for more all-round depth. With Hardik Pandya's absence, Dube can be India's pace-bowling all-rounder in the series.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson is set to keep wickets for Team India in Zimbabwe. Rishabh Pant's emergence meant Samson hasn't got many opportunities, but he is likely to start for the team in Zimbabwe.

Among India's travelling reserves, Avesh Khan looks set to be included. Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, who are still in West Indies with the Indian team, are also certain to be named for the Zimbabwe tour.