ZIM vs IND 2024: Why is Khaleel Ahmed not playing second T20I?

India took on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on July 07. Notably, India won the toss and opted to bat first. The Men in Blue came up with one major change as Sai Sudharsan bagged his T20I debut at the expense of Khaleel Ahmed, who had a dismal outing in the previous game. He bowled three overs and conceded 28 runs without picking any wickets.

After thwarting India in the first game by 13 runs, Zimbabwe stuck to the same playing XI in this game too. The game is another chance for Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag before the next bunch of players arrive. The debutants were dismissed for a duck and two runs, respectively. This might have prompted the visitors to enter the game with an extra batter.

“Going to bat first, same wicket like yesterday. Best opportunity for us to bat. Looks dry, it's a nice sunny day. Need to improve our batting, Sudharsan comes in for Khaleel,” said the Indian skipper Gill at the toss.

“Looks like a summer wicket, the pitch will get better. We wanted to bowl first anyway. The changing room is relaxed and happy. Taking one game at a time, we are here for a reason, will try to get our job done. Blessing has been good, Chatara delivers for us. He has come right more often than not for the team,” said Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza at the toss.

Also Read: ‘Everybody looked rusty’ - Shubman Gill reflects on India’s shock defeat to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande(w), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar