India Vs Zimbabwe: Who Will Captain The Men In Blue In Upcoming T20I Series?

Team India is preparing to send a relatively inexperienced squad to Zimbabwe for the upcoming five-match T20I series. Senior players, including captain Rohit Sharma, are expected to be rested following the T20 World Cup 2024.

The squad announcement for the Zimbabwe series is anticipated by the end of this week, either on Saturday (June 22) or Sunday (June 23). Currently, IPL performers and players from the BCCI's 'targeted list' are training under VVS Laxman's guidance at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The BCCI plans to include only a few players from the T20 World Cup squad, alongside promising young talents. This approach aims to provide these emerging players with an opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Top performers from IPL 2024, such as Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Reddy, are likely to earn their maiden call-ups. Additionally, either Yash Dayal or Harshit Rana may be included to strengthen the bowling department.

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Shreyas Iyer, who was omitted from the central contract list earlier this year, might also find a place in the national side again after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in May.

The captaincy role for the Zimbabwe tour will likely be assigned to a senior player. Hardik Pandya or Suryakumar Yadav are favourites to lead the team if selected. However, both players have had injury lay-offs and might be rested alongside seniors Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Pandya's selection will depend on whether he requests a break. Suryakumar Yadav has already gained leadership experience by captaining the T20 team against Australia at home and during an away series in South Africa.

If Pandya and Yadav are rested, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and batter Shreyas Iyer could fit the captaincy role. Both have led their teams in the IPL.

There is also a chance for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has captaincy experience from IPL and the Asian Games, to lead the side if selected. Another potential candidate is opening batter Shubman Gill, who is likely to be included in the squad.