India vs Zimbabwe Live Score, 1st T20I: Shreyas Iyer chases first win as captain

India vs Zimbabwe Live Score, 1st T20I: India’s young T20I side will look to put recent disappointments behind them when they take on Zimbabwe in the first match of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

Captain Shreyas Iyer will be under pressure after a tough start to the T20I captaincy. India managed just one win in their first seven matches as captain, making this series an important opportunity to regain confidence and build momentum with a young team.

Laxman returns as reserve coach

The series also sees the return of VVS Laxman as the head coach while Gautam Gambhir is unavailable.

Laxman’s team selection and approach will be closely watched, especially given that several places in the playing XI are still undecided.

Spotlight on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

One of the biggest talking points will be teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Both batsmen have fond memories of Harare Sports Club. Abhishek scored his maiden T20I century at the stadium, while Vaibhav scored a century in the U-19 World Cup final earlier this year.

A data adapted to the rhythm to challenge the batsmen

The Harare pitch is expected to help the fast bowlers with pace and bounce.

Zimbabwe will rely on experienced pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava to trouble India’s top order. After their recent batting woes, India will need a much better start against the new ball.

Mid-range combos in focus

India still have a few election questions to answer in the middle order.

Vice-captain Tilak Varma is yet to cement the No. 5 position, while Ishan Kishan is preferred at No. 3. Rinku Singh is expected to continue in the finisher role.

The team management also has to pick one all-rounder between Harsh Dubey, Shivam Dubey and Suryansh Shedge.

The Pace attack takes shape

The fast bowling attack is likely to include Prince Yadav and the returning Mayank Yadav.

Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur are competing for the remaining bowling spot.

Zimbabwe ready for the challenge

Zimbabwe will be sure to make the most of the home conditions and will look to test an inexperienced Indian side from the outset.

Determine

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba, Tafadzwa Tsiga.

India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarthy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper).