IND VS ZIM: Captain KL Rahul would expect to get some significant batting time as the Indian team is supposed to recalibrate its goals to some challenge for itself in the remaining two ODIs against Zimbabwe.

The gap between the two teams would always make these kinds of bilateral challenges unbalanced, however bigger goals for the ‘Men In Blue’ would be to push the limits.

The immediate target for the side is to attempt and bat first in case Rahul wins the toss in Saturday’s second ODI.

The solid beginning on a bouncy track and adequate nip in the air would pose some challenge for the batters. There won’t be any Jimmy Anderson or Josh Hazlewood at play however and still, at the end of the day battling the conditions would be a good test for Rahul and his players.

Deepak Chahar had pointed out after the first game that there is little help for the bowlers during the second session and the only time there’s a challenge for players is the first hour of the match. Prior to confronting the might of Shaheen Shah Afridi in Asia Cup, a morning meeting with deliveries moving both sides, yet with a gentle speed, would be a decent enough extended net session for Rahul.

While ‘Captain Rahul’ showed his elder statesman like qualities by allowing Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill to open in the first game, the ‘Batter Rahul’ also needs to get his priorities straight before the Asia Cup.

He needs to quickly adjust to Team India’s “attack at all costs from the onset” reasoning and that can’t simply work out overnight.

Against a side like Zimbabwe, which isn’t sufficient to challenge a top Indian domestic side, Rahul would get an ideal chance to try different things with his batting.

Likewise, Deepak Hooda, whenever allowed an opportunity to bat up the order, can also build his confidence. Then there is Sanju Samson, If he plays at No.4, it gives him adequate scope to build an innings of significance.

For acting head coach VVS Laxman, as much as he would like to experiment, he wouldn’t mind winning the series first prior to allowing a part of the reserves an opportunity to challenge themselves.

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Consequently a left-right mix of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul won’t be a bad choice if Shikhar Dhawan’s forearm injury sustained towards the end of the match ends up being serious. Winning the series is important however, creating different kinds of situations and testing the game awareness of the younger lot in pressure scenarios ought to be on the agenda.

Deepak Chahar bowling seven overs at one stretch is a good sign and shows that he is steadily building up his workload. Essentially, Prasidh Krishna might want to attempt a few more variations than his back of the length stuff while Mohammed Siraj wouldn’t fret a few more wickets.

Just like batting in morning could be difficult for Rahul and Co. bowling in the warm afternoon conditions with no lateral movement on offer would test the character of pacers and their spontaneity.

India vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI 2022, Harare Weather Report: Check Out the Rain Forecast and Pitch Report at Harare Sports Club#INDvsZIM #IndvsZimODIMatch #IndianCricketTeam @BCCI https://t.co/lRuS8zorK4

— LatestLY (@latestly) August 19, 2022