Following the T20I retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian cricket team has begun its search to replace these key players. Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja have been integral to the Indian setup across formats for over a decade. However, after bidding adieu to T20Is following the T20 World Cup final last month, the team now faces the challenge of filling the void left by these cricketing legends.

Washington Sundar’s prospects as Jadeja’s replacement

While finding replacements for Kohli and Rohit is a daunting task, the gap left by Jadeja might be an even bigger headache for India, given his reliability with both bat and ball. Axar Patel is a strong contender to take on Jadeja’s role, but Washington Sundar is also in the running. Currently touring Zimbabwe, Sundar was asked if he is ready to step into Jadeja’s shoes.

In the recent match against Zimbabwe, Sundar delivered an impressive performance, taking 3/15 as India secured a win to lead the five-match series 2-1 in Harare.

Sundar said “I need to do well where I am good at and what I am capable of, especially with my preparation. I need to give my 100 per cent every single day. That’s something that I have not compromised on.”

“It (preparing well) keeps me in the present and obviously I am very confident as well (about his skills). It’s a great opportunity for me to play for India, and I am blessed with it. I need to keep my job consistently and keep preparing and keep getting better. That way everything will be taken care of,” he added.

Match recap: India vs. Zimbabwe

India opted to bat first in the match. A solid 67-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (36 off 27 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and skipper Shubman Gill got things off to a strong start. Shubman continued his fine form, scoring 66 off 49 balls (with seven fours and three sixes) and forming a 72-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad (49 off 28 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes). India posted a competitive total of 182/4 in their 20 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe struggled early in their run chase, finding themselves at 39/5. A 77-run partnership between Dion Myers (65* off 49 balls, with seven fours and a six) and Clive Madande (37 off 26 balls, with two fours and two sixes) revived their innings. However, Indian bowlers regained control, restricting Zimbabwe to 159/6 by the end of their 20 overs.

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The Indian team’s search for suitable replacements continues, with Sundar and Patel leading the charge to fill the all-rounder role left vacant by Jadeja.