Shubman Gill Likely to Lead Team India on Zimbabwe Tour in July | Reports

June 24, 2024 0 696

India is likely to send a young team to Zimbabwe for the upcoming T20I series, with Shubman Gill as captain and VVS Laxman as interim coach.

Shubman Gill, who returned early from the T20 World Cup as a reserve player, is reportedly set to be named captain for India’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. This series will take place shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Fellow youngster Avesh Khan, who also returned alongside Gill, will be part of the touring party for the five-match T20I series. The impressive pacer’s strong performance with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 is believed to have impressed the selectors. These selections suggest that a youthful squad will be travelling to Zimbabwe, with senior players likely to be rested.

The Indian Express reports that another IPL breakout star, Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad, could be handed his maiden international call-up. This could see the left-hander potentially forming a new opening partnership with his good friend and Punjab Kings teammate, Gill.

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Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana are other exciting prospects who could be in contention for selection. Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, was a standout performer in IPL 2024, amassing 573 runs primarily batting at number four. He’s not alone in potentially earning his first India cap. Kolkata Knight Riders’ impactful youngster Harshit Rana and the “emerging player of the season” Nitish Kumar Reddy are also names to watch out for.

Notably, veteran batter VVS Laxman is expected to take charge as the interim head coach for the Zimbabwe series. The permanent successor to Rahul Dravid has yet to be officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following Laxman’s stint, reports suggest Gautam Gambhir will assume the coaching role starting with the tour of Sri Lanka, beginning on July 26th.