Shubman Gill likely to lead India in Zimbabwe: Report

Shubman Gill is likely to lead a young Indian side in Zimbabwe, where they will play five T20Is, starting from July 6. According to a report in the Indian Express, regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and some of the other core members who are playing in the ongoing T20 World Cup could be rested. 

Gill travelled to the USA as a reserve player for the 20-over showpiece event but has returned to India along with Avesh Khan. Apart from these two, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Khaleel Ahmed could also be part of the Zimbabwe tour. Samson and Jaiswal are part of the Indian T20WC squad but are yet to get a game.

Players like Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Tushar Deshpande, who did well in the last edition of the Indian Premier League, could be seen making their debuts in Zimbabwe. 

India are also yet to announce their head coach and as a result, VVS Laxman could be given the charge for the Zimbabwe tour. The former India batter is the head of cricket at the National Cricket Academy. 

India have not toured Zimbabwe for a T20I series since 2016, when they won 2-1. However, they did travel in 2022 for an ODI series under Shikhar Dhawan, winning the three-match series 3-0. 

The five T20Is will be played in Harare from July 6 onwards and will reach its conclusion on July 14.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.