Team India. (Source – Twitter/X)
It was beyond surprising when India suffered a setback in the first game of the five-match series against Zimbabwe, failing in their pursuit of 116 as they fell short by 13 runs against a determined Zimbabwean bowling attack.
However, what transpired in the second T20I was a spellbinding batting exhibition complemented by a meticulous bowling performance, resulting in India securing a commanding 100-run victory.
In the third T20I as well, India opted to bat first and posted a score above par, which, although not emphatic, proved sufficient for a comfortable victory, thereby securing a crucial lead heading into the fourth game of the series.
Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 4th T20I against Zimbabwe:
Openers – Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal
The three-day interval between the second and third T20s proved crucial for Shubman Gill, who managed only 33 runs in the first two matches combined. However, he emerged as the top-scorer in the third, with a maturely-placed 49-ball 66.
As one of the three players joining the squad after the second match of the series, Jaiswal faced significant challenges despite hitting four boundaries and two sixes in his 36 off 27, particularly in rotating the strike. This difficulty could be attributed to his limited playing time, highlighted by his absence from the game during the T20 World Cup 2024. Nevertheless, given his prowess, there is a strong possibility that Jaiswal will be selected for the upcoming game.
Also Read: ZIM vs IND 2024: Zimbabwe vs India, 5th T20I – Who Said What?
Middle-order: Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh
Abhishek Sharma’s maiden international series has proven to be a varied experience. The young southpaw started with a four-ball duck in the first game, followed by an energetic century in the second, and then only a brief 10-run outing in the third. Despite his typical role as an opener, adjustments are being made to accommodate him in the XI. Abhishek is expected to receive continued support, with a focus on enhancing his bowling contributions.
Currently leading the series with 133 to his name, Ruturaj Gaikwad will aim to sustain the momentum and build upon his tally. He has adapted adeptly to the recent shift to the middle-order, despite his prominent role as an opener.
Samson, despite receiving limited opportunities to bat in the third T20I, where he played a brief innings of 12 runs, is expected to continue for at least one more match. There is a possibility that he could be replaced by Dhruv Jurel if India secures the series in the upcoming game.
Rinku showcasedbrute power in the second T20I, crafting a thunderous innings of 48 runs off 22 deliveries after a duck in the first match. Indian supporters would be anticipating a repeat of his explosive performance if he is granted another chance to showcase his skills by coming in early in the piece.
All-rounders: Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar
Post a tepid T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with the national side, Dube has been reintegrated into the XI to counter spinners and is anticipated to remain a fixture in the lineup until the series concludes. He would be aiming to contribute with the ball as well in upcoming matches.
Following a subdued innings that drew criticism in India’s loss in the series-opener, Washington Sundar did not have the opportunity to bat in the subsequent games. Nevertheless, he has proven indispensable as a linchpin for the bowling unit throughout the series, leading the tally with six wickets and boasting the best economy rate among all bowlers accross both the teams (4.50).
Also Read: ZIM vs IND T20I Series 2024: India’s predicted XI against Zimbabwe for 4th T20I
Bowlers – Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed
Bishnoi conceded 37 runs in the third T20I as opposed to 13 and 11 runs in the first two games, respectively. However, one poor outing will not prompt the management to consider dropping the leg-spinner, as his consistency has been exemplary. There is a strong likelihood of him emerging as the leading wicket-taker of the series.
Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed are slated to form India’s opening bowling pair, leveraging their right-left combination as a strategic asset. They are expected to be effective during the latter stages of the innings, utilising their array of variations to good effect.