Cricket action has no stop for the fans, especially the Indian cricket fans as the Indian cricket team is set to play loads of cricket matches prior to the T20 World Cup to be played in November.
The Men in Blue is currently following a very hectic schedule. Right after finishing the England tour, they will travel to West Indies for limited overs series, that concludes on 7th of August. However, right after that, Team India will play a 3 match ODI series against Zimbabwe and that is to be followed by the Asia Cup.
With the T20 World Cup in focus and the Asia Cup to be played in T20I format, the BCCI and selectors might opt to send their probable T20 World Cup squad in the Asia Cup. Thus, that means that a second string team could be sent to Zimbabwe for the ODI series.
So today in this article, we take a look at 5 players who deserve to be part of the India squad for the Zimbabwe series if a 2nd string team is selected.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is Team India’s regular member in the Test squad where he mostly opens the inning alongside Rohit Sharma. However, his composure and skills that he has displayed for the Test team, he could easily be a great fit for the ODI squad as opener. Gill has thus far has only played 3 ODI matches and has scored 49 runs.
Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw has been in great form in domestic, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it his fitness related which has forced off the Indian team squad after making a strong start. He could tested out again against Zimbabwe. He and Shubman Gill has a very good chemistry at the top from opening the inning together in the U19 World Cup in 2018.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson was such a promising player around 2013 and 2014 and made his India debut in 2015, but was never given a consistent run at the team. The 3 match ODI series could be great opportunity to given a continuous run and could be India’s first choice wicketkeeper for the series.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is one of the best spinners India ever had. But his last couple of years have not been upto the mark, struggling with his form. This year however, he joined Delhi Capitals and was great for them, finishing as their highest wicket-taker. As Kuldeep is currently not in the plan for the T20 World Cup this year, he could be tested out in Zimbabwe in the ODI series.
Umran Malik
Umran Malik surprised everyone with his serious pace bowling in the 2nd phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. He took a step forward in the IPL 2022 and was given lethal with his pace bowling. While playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he picked-up 22 wickets from 14 matches. As a result of his great performance, he was given his debut against Ireland, however, he was very expensive and couldn’t take much wickets.
He has played a total of 3 T20I matches and has taken only 2 wickets at an economy rate of more than 12 and average of more than 50. With the talent he has, he needs to be given more opportunity and the Zimbabwe series could a great turning point for his career.
