India vs Zimbabwe. (Source – Getty Images)

Shubman Gill didn’t have a great start to his captaincy career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year as Gujarat Titans finished second from the bottom. Unfortunately, his first match as India captain also didn’t go well as the Men in Blue suffered a 13-run defeat against Zimbabwe in the first T20I in Harare on Saturday, July 6.

On Sunday, the two teams will be in action once again at the same venue as the five-match series rolls on. In the first game, India were dismissed for 102, chasing a target of 116. Ravi Bishnoi was sensational with the ball, as he finished with figures of 4/13 in his four overs. For Zimbabwe, Clive Madande top-scored with 29 not out off 25 balls. In reply, Gill played a sedate 31-run knock off 29 balls. However, he got out at a crucial juncture and the other batters couldn’t do justice to their potential. Zimbabwe bowled and fielded like warriors to facilitate the phenomenal victory.

Zimbabwe would want to double their lead by winning the second T20I, while India will look to bounce back from the debacle. Let’s take a look at how the tourists could line up in the second encounter.

Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe:

Openers – Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma

Shubman Gill. (Source – Zimbabwe Cricket)

Shubman Gill was the top-scorer for India in the first game. His 29-ball knock off 31 runs comprised five boundaries. The right-handed batter hasn’t lived up to his potential in T20Is, having scored 366 runs from 15 innings at an average of 26.14. Gill would want to lead from the front and inspire his troops to muster a comeback on Sunday.

Abhishek Sharma had a very shaky start to his international career as he perished for a four-ball duck in his first game. However, he lit up the Indian Premier League earlier this year and a rare failure won’t dent his confidence too much. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he comes out and smashes the bowlers around the park from the get-go in the second game.

Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk)

Ruturaj Gaikwad had a great opportunity to showcase his talent, batting at the crucial No. 3 spot. However, he was dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani for a nine-ball seven, edging an out swinger to first slip. Gaikwad knows how to bounce back from a low score and he will be raring to go in the second game.

Riyan Parag played an uppish drive off Tendai Chatara to mid-off and perished for two runs off three balls. After having a phenomenal IPL season, Parag wouldn’t be too pleased with how he played on his international debut. He would be eager to come good on Sunday.

Rinku Singh was with the Indian side as a reserve player for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Many felt that he deserved a place in the triumphant 15-man squad. Rinku had his opportunity to bail India out of trouble as he walked out to bat when India were reeling at 22/3 in the run-chase. However, he couldn’t open his account, as he was dismissed by Chatara. The southpaw has been very consistent in the shortest format of the game in the last year or so. Zimbabweans would want to dismiss him quickly once again in the second T20I.

Also Read: Explained: Why does Indian jersey have only single star for 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe?

All-rounder – Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is another name that shines out bright in the Indian squad. Sundar is also among the most experienced players in the Indian line-up. In the first game, he finished his bowling with a staggering spell of 4-0-11-2, while also ending as the topmost contributor with the bat. A lot will be on his shoulders for the second T20I as the Men in Blue look to pose a comeback in the series.

Bowlers – Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed

Ravi Bishnoi is currently the most dangerous spinner in the T20I circuit, and he proved why he has been a threat to the opposition of late with a four-wicket haul in the previous game. He also bowled a couple of maiden overs in the match, which largely contributed in stemming the flow of runs for the hosts. He is expected to bowl in the powerplay as well, given his ability to take early wickets.

Avesh Khan has been the most improved bowlers, and he made himself proud with the call-up for the ongoing tour. After a terrific IPL season, Avesh is among the most deadly pacers, having the skills to bowl in any given conditions. He can also contribute handy runs with the bat, as seen during the first game.

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Pairing Avesh would be Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar. Both Khaleel and Mukesh were a part of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and had excellent records delivering at different match situations. While Khaleel is expected to bowl the majority of his overs early on in the innings, Mukesh may be used more at the death for his skillset to nail Yorkers and also keep the scoring rate under check.