The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series started earlier today with a match in Harare. Although India won the T20 World Cup last month and Zimbabwe did not even qualify for the mega event, the Men in Blue suffered a shock defeat in the game.
A young Indian side led by Shubman Gill took the field at the Harare Sports Club, where Ravi Bishnoi’s four-wicket haul helped the visitors restrict the home side to 115/9 in 20 overs. It seemed like India would chase the 116-run target easily, but Gill and co. were bowled out for just 102 runs in 19.5 overs.
Gill top-scored with a 31, while Washington Sundar scored 27 runs off 34 balls. If India wants to avoid another defeat in this series, they must make the following changes.
1. Sai Sudharsan in for Ruturaj Gaikwad
The pitches in Harare are not the easiest to bat on. Someone like Sai Sudharsan, who has played county cricket, can do a better job than Ruturaj Gaikwad at number three. Gaikwad is best-suited for the opening position, but captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that he will open with Abhishek Sharma.
Perhaps, India can bring in Sai Sudharsan at number three so that he can hold one end and the team does not suffer a top-order collapse in case Abhishek gets out early.
2. Jitesh Sharma in for Dhruv Jurel
It was quite surprising to see India pick debutant Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the first T20I over Jitesh Sharma. Jitesh has done well for India in T20Is. Although he did not have a great IPL, he can perform better for the Men in Blue in the lower middle-order than Jurel.
