KL Rahul will come back to the Indian squad. He will lead the team against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series. It will start from this Thursday. Shikhar Dhawan, the left-handed opener will be deputy of Rahul. However, it will be pretty interesting to see the team’s performance against Zimbabwe. Initially, the management chose Dhawan as the captain for the young Indian lads. However, Rahul’s recovery changed the scenario. Rahul got the responsibility of the captain, as soon as he became fit.
However, Shikhar Dhawan attended a press conference just two days before the series starts. Dhawan, there, revealed the preparation of the team. Nonetheless, he also spoke about Rahul’s comeback in the team.
However, the team was informed about Washington Sundar‘s injury. Henceforth, on Tuesday, the team mentioned Shahbaz Ahmed’s name as the replacement for the coming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. It will be at Harare on August 18. However, Sundar got his shoulder injury while playing a County game in England. Therefore, Sundar was ruled out.
Dhawan said,
“It is very good news that KL Rahul is back and will be leading the side. He is one of the main players of the team, Asia Cup is coming, so it is good for him and I hope he will gain a lot from this tour. It is sad that Washington Sundar has been ruled out of this tour. It is part and parcel, injuries happen, hope he recovers soon.”
He added,
“I guess, when Zimbabwe players start winning, their players will get noticed and the players will get exposure as well. We will plan for every player. I want to do well and score runs for the team. I will keep a positive mindset, it is a good opportunity for me.”
Quality player. Will come up with nice plans against him: Dhawan on Raja
Regarding Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe, Dhawan said,
“Sikandar is a very good player, he has been playing for Zimbabwe for a long time. He is a quality player, I am sure players will come up with nice plans for him. They will have their bowlers’ meeting.”
He further added,
“It is very good for world cricket that we are playing against Zimbabwe, it is good for us and them. It is good for them to play against a quality side. We have got young guys here, it is an opportunity for us to try the younger guys. It is a good exposure for both teams and this is how Zimbabwe will also get better when they get to play against quality sides.“
However, speaking of the ODIs, Dhawan said:
“It is a beautiful format. It is a balanced format where you should know when to attack, and when to defence. It is not a rushed format, it is about understanding when to attack, and when to defence, for both batters and bowlers. I really enjoy playing this format.”
He also said,
“I quite enjoy sharing my experience with the youngsters in the team. I first came here in 2014 (sic), when Duncan Fletcher was the Indian coach. If they (youngsters) reach out to me for any suggestions, I am (always) there to answer them.”
India’s squad for 3 ODIs:
KL Rahul (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Shahbaz Ahmed.
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