ZIM v IND: Possible Playing XI for India

A highly inexperienced India side will take on Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series at the iconic Harare Sports Club. With a plethora of players who are yet to make their ODI debuts, there is a certain uncertainty in the squad selection when it comes to picking an XI that will be able to withstand the Zimbabwean pace attack. While MS Dhoni and the other selectors with the Indian side have a job on their hands trying to pick a team, we take a quick look at the possible playing XI that the Indians could put out on the team sheet from the roster. 1. KL Rahul Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Lokesh Rahul in action during an IPL match. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS) For the most part, KL Rahul was viewed only as a Test match player. However, those who witnessed the 24-year old in the recently concluded IPL were made to eat their words. His impeccable urge for shot-making coupled with his useful pair of hands to don the wicketkeeping gloves makes him an invaluable addition to the Indian limited-overs’ side. Therefore, it would certainly be difficult to leave him out. Also read – Fantasy guide: Zimbabwe v India 1st ODI 2. Mandeep Singh Mandeep Singh. (Photo Source: BCCI) KL Rahul’s RCB teammate Mandeep Singh didn’t get a chance to shine in the recent IPL season. However, the Punjab-born batsman is more than a handful with the bat. As an opener, Mandeep was extremely important to the Kings XI Punjab as he opened the batting and laid the foundation for the innings. In spite of the presence of Faiz Fazal, Mandeep is expected to be picked ahead of the southpaw. 3. Karun Nair Karun Nair of Delhi Daredevils celebrates his half century during an IPL match. (Photo Source: IANS) Karnataka Batsman Karun Nair has been the beneficiary of a purple patch in recent times. Having featured rather heavily for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, Karun’s impeccable stats in the domestic circuit has seen him on the fringes of the national side for a long time. However, having finally been given his opportunity at the top level, it is widely expected that Karun Nair would certainly be one of the first names on the sheet. 4. Manish Pandey (Photo Source: Getty Images) It was in 2010 when a young Manish Pandey was heavily tipped to feature on the Indian side. However, the presence of the likes of Gambhir, Sehwag and Kohli prevented him from becoming a part of the side. With a century under his belt in Australia of all places, the 26-year old will certainly be one of the first names on the team-sheet. Moreover, he will also be one of the senior players in the side having an abundance of experience compared to his teammates. 5. Ambati Rayudu Ambati Rayudu. (Photo Source: Associated Press) A rock in the middle-order for his domestic side as well as the Mumbai Indians, Ambati Rayudu’s call to duty in Indian colors has been long coming. At the ripe age of 30, Rayudu will be keen on making an impression in order to be considered for future ODI selection. Once again, Rayudu is a player who practically selects himself in the playing XI ahead of most other Indian batsmen. 6. MS Dhoni (WK&C) MS Dhoni, Captain of India arrives during an India training session. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) The skipper is an automatic selection in the side. The 34-year old Indian skipper who was uncertain for the Zimbabwe tour will play his final few ODIs before taking almost a year off with little or no international assignments until March 2017. 7. Axar Patel Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI) Another automatic selection, Axar Patel will be viewed as an all-rounder in the current scheme of things. The southpaw was a part of the Indian team as a 17-year old in 2014 and underlined his credentials as an economical spinner. He will be expected to play the role of Ravindra Jadeja for his side on the day. 8. Yuzvendra Chahal Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: BCCI) 25-year old Yuzvendra Chahal will be expected to make his debut in the first ODI. The leggie has been massively impressive in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He will be viewed as a wicket-taking bowler as it remains to be seen how MS Dhoni utilizes the services of Chahal. 9. Dhawal Kulkarni Dhawal Kulkarni. (Photo Source: BCCI) Dhawal Kulkarni is currently in a patch of some good form. Having been on the fringes in the World T20, some impressive performances for the Gujarat Lions in the IPL has finally seen Kulkarni get his chance on the international stage. He will be expected to lead the inexperienced bowling attack. 10. Barinder Sran Barinder Sran. (Photo Source: Twitter) The left-arm pacer, who is viewed by one and all as the ‘Next big thing’ in Indian cricket will be looking to reprise the role he served in Australia. Sran impressed one and all with some splendid performances in the IPL despite having been replaced by Ashish Nehra in the World T20. 11. Jasprit Bumrah India’s Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images) Since making it big in the Mumbai Indians ranks, Jasprit Bumrah has been a name that has seldom found its way out of the playing XI. While Dhawal Kulkarni will be leading the pace attack, Bumrah’s pace and action will be a boon for the Indian skipper. Also, read – We have a talented bunch of players: Sanjay Bangar

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ZIM v IND: Possible Playing XI for India

9. Dhawal Kulkarni

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