Context:
In the recent years, Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have often missed bilateral T20 series. With their retirement from T20 international cricket, a new era begins for India’s T20 team. The absence of these cricketing giants will be felt, but change is a natural part of the sport. India is set to face Zimbabwe in a five-match T20 series starting today, marking a new chapter for the team, which will now be led by Shubman Gill.
India’s Young Brigade:
The Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, is brimming with young talent, many of whom have showcased their skills in the IPL. Notable players who might make their debut in this series include:
Abhishek Sharma (Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Riyan Parag (Assam, Rajasthan Royals)
Harshit Rana
These players bring a fresh dynamism to the team, and their performances will be closely watched as India builds towards the next T20 World Cup.
Key Players for India:
Shubman Gill (Captain): Set to open the innings, Gill will lead the young brigade.
Abhishek Sharma/Ruturaj Gaikwad: Potential openers alongside Gill, with Gaikwad also capable of playing at number three.
Riyan Parag: Likely to bat at number four, Parag was a top scorer as an uncapped player in the IPL.
- Rinku Singh: An aggressive finisher, expected to come in at number five.
Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel: Options for the number six spot.
Bowling Attack:
Avesh Khan: A certainty in the playing eleven.
Mukesh Kumar: Known for his prowess in death overs.
Khalil Ahmed/Harshit Rana: Both performed well in IPL 2024, with Rana being an economical bowler.
All-rounder and Spin Options:
Washington Sundar: Likely to get a chance in the initial matches until the arrival of other key players like Shivam Dubey.
Upcoming Stars: From the third match onwards, players like Shivam Dubey, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will join the team, further strengthening the squad. Future T20 regulars and potential captain candidates such as Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav will also return, leaving limited spots available in the playing eleven.
Zimbabwe’s Challenge:
Zimbabwe, although not traditionally seen as a strong team, has the potential to cause upsets in the T20 format. Key players to watch include:
Sikandar Raza: A seasoned player who performs well in the IPL for Punjab Kings, Raza can be a significant challenge for India.
Series Outlook:
India’s preparation for the next T20 World Cup starts with this series, providing opportunities for emerging players to prove themselves. The team will play 34 T20 matches from now until the 2026 T20 World Cup, making this series crucial for building a formidable squad.
Predicted Playing 11 for India:
1.Shubman Gill (C)
2.Abhishek Sharma/Ruturaj Gaikwad
3.Ruturaj Gaikwad (if not opening)
4.Riyan Parag
5.Rinku Singh
6.Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel
7.Washington Sundar
8.Avesh Khan
9.Mukesh Kumar
10.Khalil Ahmed/Harshit Rana
11.Harshit Rana (if not replaced by Khalil Ahmed)
1.Who is set to lead the Indian T20 team against Zimbabwe in the upcoming series?
A) Rohit Sharma
B) Virat Kohli
C) Shubman Gill
D) Hardik Pandya
Answer: C) Shubman Gill
2.Which two Indian cricket stars have retired from T20 international cricket, marking the beginning of a new era for India’s T20 team?
A) MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina
B) Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
C) Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane
D) Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir
Answer: B) Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
3.Which young player is expected to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill?
A) Riyan Parag
B) Ruturaj Gaikwad
C) Rinku Singh
D) Washington Sundar
Answer: B) Ruturaj Gaikwad
4.Who is likely to bat at number four for India in the T20 series against Zimbabwe?
A) Abhishek Sharma
B) Ruturaj Gaikwad
C) Riyan Parag
D) Jitesh Sharma
Answer: C) Riyan Parag
5.Which player is expected to be India’s aggressive finisher, batting at number five?
A) Rinku Singh
B) Dhruv Jurel
C) Jitesh Sharma
D) Abhishek Sharma
Answer: A) Rinku Singh
6.Which bowler is known for his prowess in death overs and is part of the Indian squad for the series against Zimbabwe?
A) Avesh Khan
B) Mukesh Kumar
C) Khalil Ahmed
D) Harshit Rana
Answer: B) Mukesh Kumar
7.Who is likely to be a spin option for India in the initial matches against Zimbabwe?
A) Axar Patel
B) Kuldeep Yadav
C) Washington Sundar
D) Shivam Dubey
Answer: C) Washington Sundar
8.Which experienced player from Zimbabwe is known for performing well in the IPL and can pose a significant challenge to India?
A) Brendan Taylor
B) Sikandar Raza
C) Sean Williams
D) Hamilton Masakadza
Answer: B) Sikandar Raza
9.Which of these players is expected to join the Indian squad from the third match onwards in the series against Zimbabwe?
A) Hardik Pandya
B) Sanju Samson
C) Rishabh Pant
D) Arshdeep Singh
Answer: B) Sanju Samson
10.How many T20 matches is India set to play from now until the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A) 20
B) 25
C) 30
D) 34
Answer: D) 34
11.Which uncapped player was a top scorer in the IPL and might make their debut in the series?
A) Abhishek Sharma
B) Riyan Parag
C) Harshit Rana
D) Dhruv Jurel
Answer: B) Riyan Parag
12.Who is considered a potential captain candidate for future T20 internationals and will return to the squad later?
A) Rishabh Pant
B) Hardik Pandya
C) Suryakumar Yadav
D) Axar Patel
Answer: B) Hardik Pandya
13.Which player from the Indian squad is a certainty in the playing eleven due to his consistent performances?
A) Mukesh Kumar
B) Avesh Khan
C) Khalil Ahmed
D) Harshit Rana
Answer: B) Avesh Khan
14.Who might be the options for the number six spot in the Indian playing eleven?
A) Ruturaj Gaikwad
B) Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel
C) Washington Sundar
D) Rinku Singh
Answer: B) Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel
15.Which player is known for being an economical bowler and performed well in IPL 2024?
A) Avesh Khan
B) Mukesh Kumar
C) Harshit Rana
D) Khalil Ahmed
Answer: C) Harshit Rana
16.Which all-rounder and spin option is likely to be given a chance in the initial matches against Zimbabwe?
A) Kuldeep Yadav
B) Shivam Dubey
C) Washington Sundar
D) Axar Patel
Answer: C) Washington Sundar
17.Which Indian player is expected to open the innings and also lead the team?
A) Ruturaj Gaikwad
B) Shubman Gill
C) Abhishek Sharma
D) Riyan Parag
Answer: B) Shubman Gill
18.How many matches are included in the T20 series between India and Zimbabwe?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Answer: C) 5
19.Who is likely to play as a finisher in the Indian squad for the series against Zimbabwe?
A) Abhishek Sharma
B) Ruturaj Gaikwad
C) Riyan Parag
D) Rinku Singh
Answer: D) Rinku Singh
20.Which player is known for their ability to handle the pressure and maintain a positive demeanor, according to Gavaskar’s commentary on leadership?
A) Rohit Sharma
B) Shubman Gill
C) Virat Kohli
D) Jasprit Bumrah
Answer: A) Rohit Sharma
