Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team

Rahul Chaube
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Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team

Former Indian opener batter Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team and the globe is reacting in their own way. Amid the proceedings, Shaheen Afridi and Dale Steyn have also come up with their view on Gambhir’s appointment.

The left-handed batter Gautam Gambhir is infamous for his sharp, unfiltered, and strong opinions. Renowned for his ruthless and ferocious approach on the field, he marks the dawn of a new era in Indian Cricket History. The declaration came on Tuesday from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, following the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure after India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir's Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team
Gambhir-Afridi Face-off

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir and ex-Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi clashed fiercely in their 2007 showdown between India and Pakistan. The first chapter of their heated rivalry ignited in the Kanpur game, where both were fined for their notorious spat. For nearly a decade, Gambhir and Afridi’s competitive fire burned brightly, fueling one of cricket’s most intense and relentless rivalries.

Sharing his thoughts on Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, former Pakistan skipper Afridi said that the two-time World Cup winner has earned a big opportunity.

Talking to Star Sports, Shahid Afridi said, “I think it’s a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward.”

Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir's Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team
Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn enthusiastically expressed his happiness and support for Gambhir’s appointment. Having shared the field with Gambhir on numerous occasions, Steyn lauded the former Indian opener’s aggression and fierceness, qualities he feels are sorely missing in modern-day cricket.

Steyn emphasized that the rise of franchise T20 leagues has led to players developing friendships across teams, diluting the intense competitive spirit that Gambhir embodies.

“I am a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He is one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that. I think he is going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as big a part anymore. I am not too sure. Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder,” Steyn told Star Sports, as quoted by ANI.

READ: “NO BLAME GAME”- Says Wahab Riaz After Being Sacked From Cheif Selector Post

SOURCE- ANI and STAR SPORTS

3 Venues that can host Indian matches if they don’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Karan Rawat
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3 Venues that can host Indian matches if they don’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Champions Trophy 2025: We are 6-7 months away from the start of the next big ICC event. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9. Pakistan are the defending champions, and they are the hosts. The top eight teams will compete in this tournament. Two groups are divided into four teams each. The PCB has also submitted the proposed schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

All the boards have agreed, but the BCCI is still unsure. Some media reports confirm that Team India might not travel to Pakistan and that the Champions Trophy 2025 might be played in a hybrid format, just like the Asia Cup 2023. So what are the chances of this? Well, if the Indian government won’t allow it, India won’t travel. Hence, we will talk about three venues that can host Indian matches if they won’t travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Champions Trophy 2025: Three venues that can host Indian matches if they don’t travel to Pakistan

Champions Trophy 2025 Three venues that can host Indian matches if they dont travel to Pakistan
3 Venues that can host Indian matches if they don't travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 4

3. Bangladesh

India might play their matches nearby, and Dhaka Stadium in Bangladesh can be a good option. There is not much difference in the time zone between the two countries. It will be easy for India to travel to Bangladesh. Dhaka is the most-recognised stadium in Bangladesh, and the conditions here are not much different from those in India. If the BCCI has the option, they can choose it as the venue for their matches in the Champions Trophy 2025.

2. Sri Lanka

Something similar happened in the Asia Cup 2023 when Pakistan were the hosts but India didn’t travel and their matches took place in Sri Lanka in Colombo. That can be done again. Some reports confirm that the BCCI will request the ICC to host their games of the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. Hence, the IND vs PAK game on March 1 might also be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1. UAE

When there was no cricket played in Paksitan, they used to host their matches in the United Arab Emirates. Even in 2021, when India were the hosts of the T20 World Cup, due to COVID, the entire tournament was shifted to the UAE. That’s what can happen if the ICC agrees to the BCCI, and India will be playing their matches either in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai.

Also Read: 3 Players who can captain India in Rohit’s absence for Sri Lanka ODIs

“NO BLAME GAME”- Says Wahab Riaz After Being Sacked From Cheif Selector Post

Rahul Chaube
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“NO BLAME GAME”- Says Wahab Riaz After Being Sacked From Cheif Selector Post

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) never fails to make headlines, be it on the field or off the field. This time, it is the former Chief selector of the PCB selection committee Wahab Riaz being sacked after the horrible performance of the Pakistan Cricket Team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

After Pakistan’s spectacular flop at the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is scrambling to make some changes. This comes right after the team’s cringe-worthy exit from the group stage, all under the watchful eye of Captain Babar Azam.

The analysis of Pakistan Team's Journey and what went wrong with them in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan Team (Getty Images)

The aftermath of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup disaster has already seen heads roll, with Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq getting the boot as selectors. Razzaq, who just landed the gig for both the men’s and women’s teams a few weeks back, now finds himself out of a job altogether.

Despite getting ousted as chief selector earlier this year and then getting shuffled into a selector role on a committee with no leader, Wahab was still seen as the unofficial boss. Inside the team, Wahab was annoyed by this public misconception because it meant he took all the heat for the committee’s decisions. He even vented his frustration on X after getting the boot.

Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan Pacer Wahab Riaz Announces Retirement from International Cricket Ahead of Asia Cup 2023
Pakistan Pacer and Former Cheif Selector Wahab Riaz

The way PCB sacked both was weird in itself. The PCB wrote, “The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed that it has notified Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz that their services will no longer be required in the national selection committee setup.“

Wahab Riaz Responded

Now following this, Wahab Riaz came up and spit a few words on the X platform. He quoted his post with “There is alot I can say but I don’t want to be part of the blame games.”

In his post, he wrote, “My time serving as a member of the selection committee for PCB comes to an end, I just want my people to know that I have served the game I love with faith and sincerity and have given 100 percent for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”

“It has been an honour to serve as part of the selection panel. To make collaborative decisions as part of the seven-man panel to select the national team was a privilege – everyone’s vote carried equal weight, we made selection decisions as a team & shared the responsibility of that process equally. It was an honour to contribute my part to that,” he added.

“Moreover, it was an honour to support Gary Kirsten & the coaching group as they set their vision for this team. I am confident that the team plans the coaches have put together will ensure this team continues to grow into a dominant force as we move forward and I wish them the best of luck on that journey.”

“I am thankful to the people who have prayed for me. I wish nothing but success for the future of the Pakistan cricket team,” he concluded.

READ: With speculations over Gaikwad stepping in Kohli’s shoes, is Shubman Gill worth the hype to replace the greatness of Rohit Sharma in T20Is?

SOURCE- X.com (@WahabViki)

IND vs ZIM: With speculations over Gaikwad stepping in Kohli’s shoes, is Shubman Gill worth the hype to replace the greatness of Rohit Sharma in T20Is?

Ankaj Jha
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IND vs ZIM: Recently, the two greats of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, retired from the shortest format of the game after their World Cup triumph. In the current ongoing series against Zimbabwe, India has replaced its veterans with some youngsters to follow.

Not just an image 8000 international T20 runs in a frame
Not just an image, 8000+ international T20 runs in a frame (Image: NDTV Sports)


Shubman Gill has been placed as India’s skipper in the absence of Rohit Sharma and the senior pros like Pant and Pandya. However, alongside captaincy, India’s major concern is who will be the perfect choice of batters to fill in the shoes of the two veterans.

These two greats have been great servants to Indian cricket, as they have contributed to over 8000+ runs in international T20s. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings’ major find over the last few editions of the IPL, has been the go-to option as a replacement for Virat Kohli.

Even Gaikwad has been responsible enough to have the courage and determination to fit into such a role. With Virat Kohli being one of the most consistent performers for India for over a decade in the shortest format, it will be tough for Gaikwad to immediately suit his high standards, yet the orthodox batter has a similar stride to take up his role in the Men in Blue squad.

Ideal opening pair
These two can probably form India’s ideal opening pair (Image: Times of India)


With Yeshasvi Jaiswal or Abhishek Sharma, India has set its choices for the second opening role. But the legacy that has been delivered by Rohit Sharma—that the new Indian skipper is worth enough to replace him—remains a concern for India.

ALSO READ: IND vs ZIM: ‘Captaincy’ – Too big a role, very early for Shubman Gill!

Rohit Sharma has batted to score around 4231 in international T20s. Gill, being one of the most promising young talents of modern cricket, might not be awestruck by this; however, what adds to concern is that Rohit, while opening for India, has always batted at a strike rate others have never thought of.

HEAD and McGurk
Travis Head and McGurk to hold command as Aussies openers post David Warner retirement (Image: Cricket Australia)

Just like a departing David Warner from the T20Is for Australia, the Aussies will need someone who can score equally quick runs in the format. Though they have not faced many challenges, with the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Travis Head, the Men in Yellow might still be equally efficient at scoring quick runs in the format for years to come.

Gill, on the other hand, has always been criticized for his lack of prowess to hit quick runs, as even in his last innings of 66 against the Zimbabwe side, he has failed to produce quick runs striking at just 130+. Unlike Virat’s replacement, for whom India needs consistency, to replace the departing Indian skipper, the new Indian coach would look to settle with someone who has a similar work rate and striking power.

Sharma replaces Sharma
Sharma replaces Sharma (Image: Hindustan Times)


Undoubtedly, Gill might be seen shepherding the Indian batting unit shortly; however, the shortest format of the game has been the ring of command for the departing Indian skipper and Shubman Gill’s playing style might not be considered one of the most suitable ways to replace such a big player.

3 Changes India should make for 4th T20 for a more convincing result

Karan Rawat
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3 Changes India should make for 4th T20 for a more convincing result

IND vs ZIM: After losing the first game, Team India have come back strongly in the five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. They have won the next two matches and have a 2-1 lead in the series.

There is a gap of two days between the next game, so India have a lot of time to look into what has gone wrong and how it can be addressed.

As we saw in the third match, India had Zimbabwe under control with 39/5 in 7 overs. But the hosts went on to reach 159/6, which should have been an easy win.

However, there are some areas which the management needs to look into. In this article, we will talk about three things that India must do to win the fourth IND vs ZIM game more convincingly.

IND vs ZIM: Three Changes India must do in fourth T20I to register a win

1. Open with Abhishek and Jaiswal

Abhishek Sharma made history when he smashed a 46-ball ton in the second game. He is an opener and likes to take on the bowling from the start.

But he was forced to bat at No. 3 in the third IND vs ZIM game as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened for India. That saw Indian batters slow down in the middle.

But India should give Abhishek a free hand to go and express himself. He is a game-changer at the top, and with Jaiswal, he can make a strong pair.

2. Bring in Mukesh Kumar for Dube

3 Changes India should make for 4th T20 for a more convincing result
IND vs ZIM

Shivam Dube was part of the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and played all the matches for India. That means the management is looking at him as a regular member now.

But this might not be the same for other players in this series. Hence, India should bring Mukesh Kumar in for Dube.

It is because India’s bowling unit is looking weakened because there are only four genuine bowlers, and Abhishek and Dube were doing the role of fifth bowlers and costing a combined 50 runs in fours overs in the second IND vs ZIM game.

3. Give Riyan Parag a chance

Riyan Parag has to make a way in the third IND vs ZIM game for Jaiswal. And India had four openers playing with Sanju Samson, who is also a top-order batter.

Only Rinku Singh and Dube were genuine middle order batters, which might not let players like Riyan Parag groom, who can be a good middle-order performer for India in the future, Hence, India should give Parag a chance in the last two games for more options in the future.

Also Read: 3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach

IND vs SL: With India’s 15-man squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka to be announced next week, who can be a stable opening partner, and what are Pant’s chances in the Champions Trophy?

Ankaj Jha
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IND vs SL: India, the recently crowned World Champions in the shorter format of the game, is looking forward to their next campaign in the upcoming year’s Champions Trophy. Though the BCCI has not given an official confirmation about the team’s participation in the tournament to be held in Pakistan, Jay Shah’s statements have often sparked indications towards the Men in Blue eyeing the Champions Trophy.

With the likes of the greats retaining their positions for the Champions Trophy, India will be playing six ODI matches before the Champions Trophy, with the recent matches being played in India’s tour of Sri Lanka from the 2nd to the 7th of August.

This will be India’s first series under newly appointed coach Gautam Gambhir, and probably India will be led by KL Rahul, as it has been speculated that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the series.

3 legends rested for India jpg
India to rest the three legends for Sri Lanka tour (Image: OpIndia)


The series against the sub-continent neighbours might be seen as a resort for Gambhir and co. to solve some issues that India faced with their squad in the 2023 World Cup.

The biggest among them is the other opening partner, Rohit Sharma. The Indian skipper is enjoying the best phases of his career in his final days, while Sharma was excellent at the top for the Men in Blue. Shubman Gill, who was given his World Cup debut in 2023, failed miserably and underperformed in the entire tournament.

He was probably India’s weakest limb, and with the likes of several new stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad in contention for the spot, India and new coach Gambhir will have to rethink about this position.

Shreyas Iyer
After a commanding World Cup campaign, Iyer might make a return to India squad (Image: The Indian Express)


India will also have the likes of Rishabh Pant alongside the probable return of Shreyas Iyer after the appointment of ex-KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. Iyer faced a disappointing loss of his BCCI contract despite his irresistible form in the 2023 World Cup. However, if Iyer plays at No. 4 and Wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul retains his spot at No. 5, there will be immense queries about featuring Rishabh Pant in the starting XI for the Champions Trophy.

Let’s take a look at India’s probable choices for the Sri Lanka tour.

Batters

India are all set to rest Rohit and Virat, while they will have a new bunch of quality cricketers alongside Shreyas Iyer, who might be making a return to the side. Also, Suryakumar Yadav, who played stunningly in the T20 World Cup, would lose his ODI spot due to his unconvincing performance in the format.
Jaiswal, Gill, and even Ruturaj Gaikwad might be seen in blue jerseys for the series against Sri Lanka.

3 new stars to represent India
India’s probable 3 for the top 3 spots in ODIs for Sri Lanka tour (Image: Times Now)

All-Rounders

XXXXX
With the Champions trophy is sight – India re-assure their 3 all-rounder options (Image: SportsTiger.com)

This is probably the only place where there seems to be no query, as India has the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, all three being India’s first and only preference for the ODI format.

Pandya, after being knocked off with an injury from the ODI World Cup, will mark his return to the format while Jadeja and Patel retain their spots against Sri Lanka.

Wicket-keepers

KL Rahul is India’s first choice, as in the absence of an injured Rishabh Pant, the LSG batter took command of the middle order and scored, averaging over 75 in the position. Also, Rahul will probably be seen as India’s skipper in the ODI series.

Rishabh Pant, who was offered a contract by the BCCI despite his months of injury, was seen in the India squad for the T20 World Cup with immediate effect. Will India feature him in the ODIs as well? This remains a mystery about what Gambhir thinks about the superstar’s future.

Gautam and Pant
What are Pant’s chances under new coach Gambhir (Image: Times Now)

ALSO READ: IND vs ZIM: ‘Captaincy’ – Too big a role, very early for Shubman Gill!

Bowlers

Maybe not in the series, but Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s first-hand choice in the pace bowling department. But who else? Shami has not shown much of a recovery sign, and Siraj has not been convincing with the ball since the World Cups.

Arshdeep was India’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, and he seems to be evolving as an exceptionally talented cricketer. But is the left-armer ready to play the longer format of limited-overs cricket?

Who is likely to be Indias 3rd bowler in the Champions Trophy New
Who is likely to be India’s 3rd bowler in the Champions Trophy (Image: Hindustan Times)


Other than him, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed will stand to be experienced campaigners in the domestic games. They will be looking at both the Sri Lanka series and later a home series against England to earn their spots in India’s pace department, which lacks commandment.

India’s probable 15-man squad for the Sri Lanka tour (ODI): Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Md. Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Khaleel Ahmed.

ICC T20 Player Rankings; Hardik Pandya Dethroned, and Gains for Ruturaj | Full Latest Updated T20I Player Standings

Rahul Chaube
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ICC T20 Player Rankings; Hardik Pandya Dethroned, and Gains for Ruturaj | Full Latest Updated T20I Player Standings

ICC T20 Player Rankings: With the latest updates announced by the International Cricket Council, Hardik Pandya has now lost his top spot in the T20I all-rounders rankings. Ruturaj and other Indian and Zimbabwe players have made some noticeable gains in the T20I Rankings and this post will lead you to all the updates made in the ICC T20 player rankings on 10th July.

India vs Zimbabwe is the only major international Twenty20 series that is being played in this part of the year as the teams are resting after the ICC T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe is hosting INDIA for a 5-match T20I series. India leveled the series 1-1 on 7th July after facing a loss on 6th July.

Gaikwad’s brilliant 77 off 47 balls played a vital role in finishing the innings on a positive note for India and as a result, he jumps right back into the top 10 of the ICC T20I batting rankings.

Let’s take a look at the ICC T20 Player Rankings Updated after IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I:

ICC T20 Player Rankings

T20I Batting Rankings

Travis Head is still leading the board with 844 rating points. He was outstanding for Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024 and so was Surya Kumar Yadav for India. SKY is sitting second with 821 ratings.

ICC T20 Player Rankings; Hardik Pandya Dethroned, and Gains for Ruturaj | Full Latest Updated T20I Player Standings
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image- Getty Image)

Ruturaj Gaikwad has made huge gains in the latest updated rankings. He jumped 13 ranks to sit 7th with 662 ratings and his countryman Yashasvi Jaiswal lost a couple of rating points and now is the joint 10th rank holder with 646 ratings.

Brian BENNETT of Zimbabwe also made big numbers after the second T20I as he climbed 25 ranks to enter the top 100 ranks in the batting standings.

PosPlayersTeamRating
01Travis HEADAUSTRALIA844
02Suryakumar YADAVINDIA821
03Phil SALTENGLAND797
04Babar AZAMPAKISTAN755
05Mohammad RIZWANPAKISTAN746
06Jos BUTTLERENGLAND716
07RUTURAJ GAIKWADINDIA662
08Brandon KINGWEST INDIES656
09Johnson CHARLESWEST INDIES655
10Aiden MARKRAMSOUTH AFRICA646
10Yashasvi JAISWALINDIA646
T20 Player Rankings

T20I Bowling Rankings

The top six in the T20I bowling rankings are still unchanged. Axar Patel lost a couple of Rating points and he slipped to ninth rank with 644 rank.

Axar Patel
Source: Deccan Herald

Blessing MUZARABANI of Zimbabwe also performed excellently in the series and made it to the 55th rank. Ravi Bishnoi also made good numbers and is ranked 14th with 627 ratings.

PosPlayersTeamRating
01Adil RASHIDENGLAND718
02Anrich NORTJESOUTH AFRICA675
03Wanindu HASARANGASRI LANKA674
04Rashid KHANAFGHANISTAN668
05Josh HAZLEWOODAUSTRALIA662
06Akeal HOSEINWEST INDIES659
07Adam ZAMPAAUSTRALIA654
08Fazalhaq FAROOQIAFGHANISTAN645
09Axar PATELINDIA644
09Maheesh THEEKSHANASRI LANKA644
T20 Player Rankings

T20I All-Rounders Rankings

Hardik Pandya missed the Zimbabwe tour and hence he lost some rating points. This loss in ratings cost him the number-one rank in the T20I all-rounders rankings. Wanindu Hasaranga is at the top with 222 rating points.

3 Players who can captain India in Rohit's absence for Sri Lanka ODIs
IND vs SL Hardik Pandya
PosPlayersTeamRating
01Wanindu HASARANGASRI LANKA222
02Hardik PANDYAINDIA213
03Marcus STOINISAUSTRALIA211
04Sikandar RAZAZIMBABWE208
05Shakib AL HASANBANGLADESH206
06Mohammad NABIAFGHANISTAN205
07Dipendra SINGH AIREENEPAL199
08Liam LIVINGSTONEENGLAND187
09Aiden MARKRAMSOUTH AFRICA186
10Moeen ALIENGLAND174
T20 Player Rankings

READ: 3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach

SOURCE: ICC OFFICIAL

3 Players who can captain India in Rohit’s absence for Sri Lanka ODIs

Karan Rawat
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3 Players who can captain India in Rohit’s absence for Sri Lanka ODIs

IND vs SL: It is the start of a new era as Gautam Gambhir becomes the head coach of the Indian team. He will take responsibility for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. India will play three ODIs and three T20Is on that tour, which will start on July 27. Hardik Pandya wil become the T20I captain, but there is some news that confirms that India might rest Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.

That means it will leave India to find a new captain for the ODI series. Will Hardik become the captain, or will someone else lead the team? How will the new captain cope with Gambhir? Here, we will talk about three players who can captain India in the IND vs SL ODI series in June.

Three Players who can lead India in the upcoming IND vs SL ODI series in June

3. Rishabh Pant

IND vs SL Rishabh Pant
IND vs SL Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is expected to make his ODI comeback after an injury. He played his last ODI match for India in November 2022, before his accident. But he will be making his ODI comeback in the coming away series against Sri Lanka. He has led India in T20Is. Pant can be a good option as a captain for India. Because he has done it previously and is also a captain at the franchise level.

2. Hardik Pandya

IND vs SL Hardik Pandya
IND vs SL Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is the vice-captain in ODIs and generally assists Rohit Sharma in white-ball format. The all-rounder is likely to be available for ODIs and can be a good pick to lead the team. Already, India are looking at him as the white-ball captain. So with T20Is, he can be the ODI captain as well on this tour. But India can also rest him for the ODIs as a long season is coming up..

1. KL Rahul

IND vs SL KL Rahul
IND vs SL KL Rahul

KL Rahul has become a vital player for India in ODIs. He had had a superb performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. But he was dropped from the team in the T20 World Cup 2024, which India won. But with the Champions Trophy 2025 coming up, India will stick with him as the first-choice keeper for the IND vs SL ODI series. Meanwhile, some media reports also confirm that Rahul will be leading India in the IND vs SL series.

Also Read: 3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach

Strongest India Playing 11 for IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I Prediction | Full Squad and More details of Zimbabwe vs India 3rd T20I

Rahul Chaube
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Strongest India Playing 11 for IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I Prediction | Full Squad and More details of Zimbabwe vs India 3rd T20I

IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I: With the series in the balance after two T20Is, India are all set to lock horns against the host Zimbabwe in the third T20I at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube back in the contingent, here is the prediction of the Strongest India Playing 11 for IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I.

India faced a humiliating defeat in the very first encounter against the home team Zimbabwe. A number of players failed in that match and the team, which was also referred to as the future of Indian Cricket got bundled out for just 102 runs and lost the match by 13 runs.

It just took the next 20 hours to turn the table completely. The duck debutant Abhishek Sharma in the 1st T20I scored a ton with a strike rate of over 200 and India smashed a total of 234 runs in 20 overs.

Raza Stars as Zimbabwe Upset India In 1st T20I by 13 Runs | IND vs ZIM 1st T20I
Raza Bamboozled Gill (Associate Press)

The chase was never going to be easy for Zimbabwe and in the end, they were trailing behind with 100 runs. This was an ideal team game and skipper Shubman Gill was happy with the performances.

Now, the third T20I is just on the doorstep and the good news for India is that Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal are back in the squad and set to get their names in the starting 11. Below is the prediction of the Strongest India Playing 11 for IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I:

IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Strongest India Playing 11 Prediction

Abhishek Sharma got a 100 in just his second international game and he is really in a good knick. Meanwhile, with Yashasvi Jaiswal back in the squad, he also put up his name for that spot. It now depends on the selection committee and skipper, whom they are looking to invest in more for the bigger tournaments coming forward.

3 Opening Combinations India can try in Zimbabwe T20Is
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open in IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I?

Shubman Gill has been holding on the second end and it seems like he is going to be there to control the pace of the innings. India cricket team is looking at Ruturaj Gaikwad to fill the KOHLI SHOES in the shortest format and he is most likely to get a pass on the test.

Shivam Dube may get his name in at number four. He is most likely going to replace Sai Sudharsan in the playing 11. He will be followed by Riyan Parag at number 5. Parag has really impressed the Indian cricket board members and his ability to bowl and bat might be really helpful now in the turning-slow pitches.

INDIA Qualified for Super-8 | Check the Current Points Table of T20 World Cup 2024 after INDIA vs USA
Shivam Dube to play IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I | Pic: X (BCCI)

Rinku Singh shall continue at number 6 and Dhruv Jurel to bat at number 7. These two men can hit the ball out of the park and their finishing abilities are the reason they are batting late in the order.

The spin duo of Washington Sunder and Ravi Bishnoi is doing a great job in the middle overs and their presence also gives the batting depth to the side.

Then the two bowlers in the form of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan and this makes the Indian side look more dangerous than it was in the second T20I. The pitches are getting slow match by match so two pacers with Shivam Dube in the backup are more than enough for the matches.

Probable India Playing 11

Abhishek Sharma/ Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shivam Dube
Riyan Parag
Rinku Singh
Dhruv Jurel
Washington Sunder
Ravi Bishnoi
Avesh Khan
Mukesh Kumar

READ: Gambhir demands an assistant coach of his choice for Team India

3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach

Karan Rawat
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3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach

The much-awaited announcement has been made, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally appointed former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian team. He has replaced Rahul Dravid and becomes the 25th player to coach Team India at the highest level. It will be a big opportunity and a challenge at the same time for Gautam Gambhir.

Because with Dravid, India played in three ICC finals and won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. With the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship final coming up, Gambhir’s role becomes crucial. But Gambhir’s appointment can bring joy to some players. Not in the current team or setup, but some players from Kolkata Knight Riders, where Gambhir had a successful stint as a mentor in the IPL 2024.

Three KKR players who might get a chance in Indian Team after Gautam Gambhir became Head Coach

1. Varun Chakravarty

Varun Chakravarty has been a key part of the KKR setup for years now. He played a vital role in the IPL 2024 win and was the leading wicket taker for them. The 32-year-old is a mystery spinner and has played six T20Is for India. He was part of the T20 World Cup 2021 but couldn’t make an impact. Varun has taken two wickets in six T20Is and has been ignored since then. But with Gautam Gambhir as head coach, there are chances that Varun can make a comeback.

2. Nitish Rana

The 30-year-old swashbuckling batter, Nitish Rana, is also someone who is searching for a chance in the Indian side. With the team focusing on giving more chances to youngsters in T20Is, Nitish is also hopeful for a comeback. He has played one ODI and 2 T20Is for India. However, Gautam Gambhir knows his potential and might give him his second chance to play for India.

3. Venkatesh Iyer

3 KKR players who might make their India comeback with Gautam Gambhir as new Head Coach
Gautam Gambhir and Venkatesh Iyer

Venaktesh Iyer is a promising all-rounder who has been on the radar for 3-4 years. He also made his debut for India in 2021 and has played 9 T20Is and 2 ODIs for India. But since 2022, he has not gotten a chance. Venkatesh Iyer was instrumental in KKR’s success in the IPL 2024 and smashed two unbeaten fifties in Qualifier 1 and the Final to help his team win. So, he was in good form, and we might see him making his comeback because of Gautam Gambhir.

Also Read: 3 Key Player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM 3rd T20

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