Zimbabwe Cricket on Thursday named a 17-member squad for the three-match ODI series against India. Regis Chakabva has been named as the captain of the side in the absence of regular captain Craig Ervine who is still nursing a left hamstring tear. The team will also miss the services of Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, and Wellington Masakadza who are down with injuries. Notably, the series starts on 18 August.
Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chatara are out of the India series after missing the Bangladesh series as the two are recuperating from thigh muscle tear and collarbone fracture. Meanwhile, the left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza is ruled out with a shoulder tendon injury.
Wicketkeeper batter Chakabva successfully led the team against Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series (winning it 2-1). Although Sikander Raza led the team in the final ODI which Zimbabwe lost, Chakabva was good as a leader in the first two games. Notably, he missed the last match due to a hand sprain.
Zimbabwe Squad: Regis Chakabva (c), Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, Kaitano Takudzwanashe, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, John Masara, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, and Donald Tiripano.
KL Rahul returns for India
While Zimbabwe Cricket named a 17-member squad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced KL Rahul’s inclusion in the side. Rahul has been cleared to play by the BCCI Medical Team and he will also lead the team. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan, who was earlier named the captain will play Rahul’s deputy.
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), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Deepak Chahar.
Notably, the first ODI between Zimbabwe and India will be played at Harare Sports Club next Thursday, before the two sides lock horns again on Saturday. The third and final game is scheduled for the following Monday at the same venue. All matches will start at 9.15 AM Harare time.