We'd rather be playing 365 days than be with the physio: KL Rahul

India captain KL Rahul did not have a chance to bat on his return to the India team. Openers Shikhar Dhawan (81*) and Shubman Gill (82*) knocked over the 190-run target without any trouble after the Indian bowlers did a commendable job restricting Zimbabwe to 189.

Rahul, who was roped in late in the squad, has had a torrid run when it comes to injuries. He underwent a successful groin surgery recently but then had to miss the tour of West Indies due to Covid.

Speaking on his return, Rahul, said, "I am on the field and I am happy. We do play a lot of cricket, injuries are going to be a part of it. Being away from the game is hard. Rehab and everything everyday gets boring. We'd rather be playing 365 days than be with the physio."

Rahul was also pleased with the way his bowlers set it up for his side.  

"Picking up wickets is crucial. There was a swing and seam movement as well. But it was good see them put the ball in right areas and be disciplined. For a few of us, it is great to be back in the Indian dressing room," the stylish batter added.

Like Rahul, fast bowler too made his return to the side after months on the sidelines - first with a hamstring injury and then sustained a back injury too. Chahar finished with figures of 3 for 27 from his seven overs that included as many as 30 dots.

"When you are playing an international game after six and a half months, you are always nervous. Before coming here I played four-five practice games. But playing for the country, you wanted to do well and the mind and the body was not working together," Chahar said after his player of the match performance.

Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva, on the other hand, rued the lack of partnerships. 

"The Indian bowlers bowled really well and put pressure on us. I thought we started well but lost our way from the 18-over mark. It was good to see Richie [Ngarava] and Brad [Evans] give a good partnership at the back end. 

"They were quite good and we needed one or two big partnerships. We didn't have enough. Our bowlers tried to come hard at them but Shikhar and Gill batted really well and took us out of the game."

Shikhar Dhawan, who put on an unbeaten 192-run opening stand with Shubman Gill says that he enjoys batting with the youngster. "My rhythm with Gill has settled nicely. The way he bats and times the ball is lovely to watch. He has shown the consistency in converting fifties into bigger fifties," Dhawan said.

"I enjoy [catching at slip] and it has become easy with experience. Our bowling unit did well and it was nice to see Deepak Chahar come back from injury and pick up three wickets. I am sure he would be feeling confident as well."

With this win, India go 1-0 up in the three-match series. The two teams clash again in the second match of the series on Saturday (August 20) in Harare.