Indian opener Shubman Gill who failed to find a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad and was named in travelling reserves is set to be the nation’s 12th captain in the format. Gill is likely to lead India in the five-T20I series against Zimbabwe which will take place a week after the completion of ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
As per Indian Express, the senior selection committee asked Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav if they would lead the team to Zimbabwe but both of them declined. Both Pandya and Suryakumar have led India in T20Is.
Gill’s injury
Earlier, the 24-year-old was released from the squad as he had sustained an injury in his right index finger. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team was expected to take a call whether it requires surgery.
In case Gill is not declared fit, it will be interesting to see if the selection committee would approach Sanju Samson to lead the team on the tour.
Gill’s IPL captaincy record
Earlier this year, Gill made his Indian Premier League (IPL) captaincy debut. After Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians (MI), Gill took over the reigns at Gujarat Titans (GT). The champions of the IPL 2022 edition lost a few close matches and two of them were washed out. Under Gill's leadership, GT won five out of seven games.
Second-string squad for Zimbabwe tour
As it has been the case for the better part of the past decade, a second-string squad will tour Zimbabwe. Senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah will be rested. A few others may opt out for the tour as well.
This will open the doors for young talent to prove their mettle on the international stage. Abhishek Sharma who dazzled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) may find a place in the side. Other players who can earn their maiden callus are Riyan Parag, Harshit Rana and Tushar Deshpande.
The T20I series will begin on June 6 and conclude on July 14. All the matches will be played at Harare Sports Club. India have beaten Zimbabwe six time in T20Is. The two defeats came in 2015 and 2016.
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