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India lock horns with Zimbabwe for the three-match ODI series as KL Rahul-led India won the toss and opted to bowl first in the opener on Thursday (August 18).
Rahul, who is leading the Indian side, is making a comeback after a two-month break following his surgery and recovery from Covid-19.
Also making a comeback is pacer Deepak Chahar, who is back after a break of five months due to injury.
“We will bowl first. Looks like a good wicket, it's an early start, so could have a bit of moisture. Good opportunity to bowl first and exploit the first hour. A lot of guys have got opportunities, good chance to challenge themselves and their skills. Looking forward to a good show. He (Deepak Chahar) was unfortunate to miss out for a long time, excited for a few coming back after injuries,” India skipper KL Rahul said after winning the toss.
“We would have bowled first as well, but this looks like a good wicket and will stay true for the rest of the day. It's something we've spoken about (about top-order collapses), looking to sort it out. We've got Ngarva and Marumani coming in,” Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva said before the match.
This will be India's first-ever tour of Zimbabwe since 2016 when they traveled to the African nation for a three-match T20I series.
Head-to-Head
India and Zimbabwe have squared off against each other in 63 ODIs so far with the former winning 51 matches while the latter emerged triumphant on 10 occasions. Two matches ended in a No Result.
India's Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul(c), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson(w), Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Zimbabwe's Playing XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (capt & wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Bradley Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava.
