Shubman Gill chooses Abhishek Sharma as opening partner for 1st India vs Zimbabwe T20I

Shubman Gill, leading a young Indian team without senior players, has announced the opening pair for the first T20I against Zimbabwe. This series marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, kicking off their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Gill himself will open alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma in the series opener at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 6th.

“I will open with Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at No. 3,” Gill told reporters on the eve of the match.

Abhishek Sharma Prepares for Maiden T20I Cap Alongside Gill

Shubman Gill confirms he and Abhishek Sharma will open for India tomorrow against Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/YSgrIcdcGW

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 5, 2024

Abhishek, known for his explosive batting in the IPL with 484 runs at a stunning strike rate of 204.22, will earn his first T20I cap. The left hander’s aggressive batting style in the powerplay overs could be crucial in Harare’s slower conditions. His debut is well-deserved, and the young player from Punjab is expected to capture attention with his attacking approach.

In this series against Zimbabwe, India has rested most of their World Cup-winning players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Only five members are Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Yashavi Jaiswal, Khaleel Ahmed, and Sanju Samson included in the squad. However, Dube, Jaiswal, and Samson, who were part of the main World Cup squad, will miss the first two T20Is due to extended celebrations following their victory. Jitesh Sharma, Sai Sudharshan, and Harshit Rana will replace them for these matches.

India’s revised squad for the Zimbabwe tour

Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube.

India vs Zimbabwe 2024 schedule

1st T20I on July 6, Saturday
2nd T20I on July 7, Sunday
3rd T20I on July 10, Wednesday
4th T20I on July 13, Saturday
5th T20I on July 14, Sunday