The first week of July might be the template for different formats in India’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. It is understood that national selectors will pick a T20 team for the five-match series with many new faces expected in it, as Gautam Gambhir takes over as head coach of India. Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma and Yash Dayal could then headline the squad.
For the past decade, BCCI has normally sent less-than-full-strength sides to Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, TOI is given to understand that the new management is ready to move away from former stars and create a new side for the shortest format. Henceforth Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah would now concentrate more on longer versions with WTC and ICCT in mind next year.Sources added that Gambhir shared with BCCI that there should be teams based on formats.
“He knows exactly what he wants when it comes to choosing players according to each format. He won’t leave out IPL consistent performers when it comes to T20 cricket. The seniors will continue playing test matches through the rest of 2021,” said a BCCI official talking to Toi.
After their Zimbabwean trip, India has three ODIs and three T20Is planned against Sri Lanka. It appears an India ODI unit at full strength could be available too. India have 19 test matches—four or five at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand followed by five in Australia. Some thoughts need to be had about Rishabh Pant’s workload. Shreyas Iyer might also make it into Sri Lankan ODI squad. Sanju Samson might end up being Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper while Dhruv Jurel is also fighting for place.
MAYANK UNLIKELY FOR ZIMBABWE TOUR
Mayank Yadav, India’s newest fast bowling find, is expected to miss out on the tour of Zimbabwe. Yadav had been terrorizing IPL batsmen with his express pace until he picked up a side strain that kept him out of action. An NCA official said, “ Mayank is still not 100 percent fit, he’s bowling at around 80-90%. It will be difficult for him to make the team for Zimbabwe right away. He’s being prepared for Sri Lanka and then red-ball season,”.
GILL HAS FINGER NIGGLE
Shubman Gill, who has recently been released from India T20 WC squad as a standby player, has been reported carrying a finger niggle by TOI.” The source disclosed that throughout IPL series; Shubman Gill has suffered injury on this index finger on his right hand. After consulting doctors from NCA concerning surgical intervention or otherwise,” says the source
