Zimbabwe v India, T20I series: India Probable XI

The Zimbabwean tour has now moved to the T20 format. The Indians had a really fruitful time in the ODI series after having inflicted a 3-0 series win over their opponents. The most unwanting part of the series has been the incompetence of the host. Most of the players have been denied chances to perform in spite of been in the playing XI. India, would actually, hopes for some fight as they prepare themselves for the T20 contests. 1. KL Rahul: India’s batsman KL Rahul eyes the ball during the first one-day international (ODI) matches between India and host Zimbabwe. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) KL Rahul looks impeccable currently. The tall wicket-keeper batsman has carried his IPL form to the African nation and finished the ODI series as the highest run-getter with 193 runs including a century and a half-century. He will be eagerly looking forward to the T20 series; not because of the weak opposition but because of his newly found identity of an aggressor. The right-hander, once labelled as a Test specialist, sort of re-invented his batting style in the recently concluded IPL and therefore everyone will have an eye on him to see how he does in the T20 series. Also check out – Zimbabwe v India ODI series: India player ratings 2. Mandeep Singh: Mandeep Singh. (Photo Source: BCCI) Mandeep Singh may get a chance in the T20 series. MS Dhoni didn’t really have much opportunity to give his young men including Mandeep in the ODI series. In fact, the ones in the playing XI ended up sitting in the pavilion due to lack of batting opportunities. With the T20 series, however, the approach in choosing the starting XI might change and Mandeep can partner Rahul given his attacking reputation. Moreover, T20 format is more like his personal favourite and one can expect him to fare well. A good performance here can surely help him place his contender-ship for the future. 3. Manish Pandey: Manish Pandey. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Manish Pandey has to consider himself unlucky. Pandey has been devoid of proper opportunities for ages now. He announced his arrival back to the international arena with a century against Australia but, has been out of action since then. Now, he has spent the first half of the Zimbabwe tour without any proper chance to bat. Going into the T20 series, his place in the playing XI looks pretty much confirm. But, every Indian fan would definitely be hoping that he gets some substantial time in the middle to make his point with the bat. 4. Ambati Rayudu: India batsman Ambati Rayudu. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) Ambati Rayudu will take care of the batting responsibilities in the middle order. With 103 runs in 3 ODIs, he looks in great touch and would look forward to makes an impact in the T20 series as well. 5. MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni. (Photo by Pal Pillai/IDI via Getty Images) MS Dhoni is currently enjoying this African tour with the bunch of highly talented troop. He doesn’t really have much to worry about. The opposition has failed to put up any serious challenge and his young men seem to be performing their roles wonderfully. These factors have reduced the burden off his shoulders and he seems to be enjoying watching things happen from the backseat. 6. Kedar Jadhav: Kedar Jadhav. (Photo Source: BCCI) Kedar Jadhav had a great time when he came here the last time. The ODI series didn’t offer him any chance with the bat. But, he will be looking forward to the T20 series eagerly. He didn’t really get any chance with the RCB in the IPL. Jadhav, however, had a really fruitful outing for India A prior to the start of the IPL and would be itching to put up similar performances against Zimbabwe. 7. Axar Patel: India bowler Axar Patel. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) The Gujarat all-rounder had a productive time with the ball, picking up 3 wickets in three games. And, when it comes to the T20 format, he naturally tends to give good performances. He was one of the best players for KXIP in the IPL where the team failed miserably. Axar should mature into the role and lead the spin bowling attack. 8. Yuzvendra Chahal: Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: BCCI) Yuzvendra Chahal is finally reaping the benefits of consistent IPL performances in the past two seasons. Chahal, who was adjudged as the ‘Young player of the series,’ has earned praises for his show in the ODI series. The T20 series will also be a similar opportunity for him to go out there and leave a mark. 9. Jasprit Bumrah: India bowler Jasprit Bhumra. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah has been one of the best things to have happened to Indian cricket this year. He looks unstoppable as of now. Impressive debut series in Australia and then successful time in the Asia Cup and World T20 and now finishing the ODI leg of the Zimbabwe tour as the highest wicket taker. The T20 series, without any doubt, will be yet another productive outing for Bumrah. 10. Barinder Sran: Zimbabwe’s batsman Sikandar Raza Butt loses his wicket to India’s bowler Barinder Sran. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) Barinder Sran has also been a revelation this year. Sran seems to be constantly improving and looks more impactful now. His early swinging deliveries looked very tough for his opponents to negotiate. Though the left-arm pacer relies on movement to trouble the batsmen, he should find his scalps in the T20I series. 11. Dhawal Kulkarni: India bowler Dhawal Kulkarni celebrates the wicket of Zimbabwe’s Chamunorwa Chibhabha. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images) Dhawal Kulkarni will most likely retain his place in the squad. His partnership with Sran was very effective the new ball was very effective in the ODI series and Kulkarni is expected to perform similarly in the T20I series as well. He has been around the Indian team for the last couple of years and the impression he has given in the serious is of maturity and that will certainly help his overall cause.