New Delhi. When the teams of India and Zimbabwe will face each other in the second match of the three-match T20 series on July 25 at Harare Sports Club, the Indian team will aim to capture the series unbeaten. Under the leadership of new captain Shreyas Iyer, the young brigade had performed brilliantly and won the first match, and now their eyes are set on lifting their first series trophy as captain. After the spectacular victory of the first match, the management’s focus is now on the right balance of the team and workload management. In such a situation, there seems to be a possibility of a major change in India’s playing-11 in the second T20.
Team India’s star opener Abhishek Sharma has been searching for his rhythm for some time. If we look at his recent form, he has been able to score only 73 runs in the last five innings. His bat remained calm in the T20 World Cup too, and in the first match of the series against Zimbabwe, he returned to the pavilion after scoring only 1 run in 8 balls. Although his past record on Zimbabwean soil has been quite impressive, his current form remains a matter of concern.
Apart from this, the most important aspect is his fitness and workload. Abhishek Sharma suffered a minor injury during the first T20 match, due to which he remained out of the field for about 15 overs. However, he returned to fielding in the last overs of the match and later also batted, but as a precaution and considering the long season, the management may rest him in the second match.
Prabhsimran Singh may get a chance to make his international debut in place of Abhishek. There are many great benefits of incorporating Prabhasimran. If Prabhsimran Singh opens with young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the team will get an ideal right- and left-handed opening combination, which can prove helpful in spoiling the line-length of Zimbabwean bowlers. Prabhsimran is known to take full advantage of the powerplay, which can give India a fast start.
Hope to continue trust in Ashok Sharma
Talking about the bowling department, the performance of fast bowler Ashok Sharma, who made his debut in the first T20, was mixed. He had spent 29 runs in his quota of 4 overs, but he did not get any success. Despite this, the possibility of him being dropped in the second match is very less. Indian team captain Shreyas Iyer, head coach and support staff have had a clear stance that they give full opportunities to new and young players to prove themselves and back them. In such a situation, it is almost certain that Ashok Sharma will get another chance to show his bowling edge.
No change in middle order and bowling unit
The middle order of the Indian team looks very strong and balanced. The team has a great mix of experienced and aggressive batsmen. Wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer will work to manage and pace the innings. Tilak Verma, all-rounder Shivam Dubey and excellent T20 finisher Rinku Singh provide explosive strength to the lower-middle order.
Talking about the bowling attack, the command of the spin department will be in the hands of Ravi Bishnoi, who is continuously troubling the host batsmen with his googly. In the fast bowling department, Mayank Yadav will make an impact with his stormy pace, while Prince Yadav and Ashok Sharma will support him. All-rounder Shivam Dubey also provides an excellent option for medium pace fast bowling.
India’s probable playing-11 for the second T20
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
