India vs Zimbabwe 2022: India Team’s ODI Series Best Playing 11

Shikhar Dhawan to lead once again as we look at the best predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe. 

After comprehensively beating England and West Indies in the last two ODI series, Team India’s next assignment is against a minnow Zimbabwe. India last played Zimbabwe 6 years back in 2016 where they won that series 3-0. Interestingly, the last time India lost a match to Zimbabwe was in 2010. They have won 12 matches since then. 

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With Zimbabwe at the opposite end, the ODI series squad sees a lot of new names even as compared to the squad that played West Indies. The West Indies series itself had a String B side, but with India playing against a minnow Zimbabwe, it’s like a string C side that India has selected to play.

Understandably, the ODI series shall see the entire focus being on the Indian youngsters to make a good impact. Apart from Shikhar Dhawan, who is the oldest member of the squad, the average age of the selected group is around 25 years.

India vs Zimbabwe 2022 – Official ODI Series Squad Players List for Team India: 

Batters: Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan & Shubman Gill

Wks: Ishan Kishan & Sanju Samson 

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda & Washington Sundar 

Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna & Shardul Thakur

Coach: Rahul Dravid // Captain: Shikhar Dhawan

So, with so many new names in the squad, what could be the best predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe? Let’s find out in this article. Before that, let’s look at the official squad for Team India for the ODI series.   

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan & Shubman Gill

This is an area which should see no change from the playing 11 that played against West Indies. Team India’s captain Shikhar Dhawan and the Player of the series from West Indies ODIs, Shubman Gill should continue to open for the first two matches at the least. They were superb as openers together against West Indies, and would want to continue doing the same against Zimbabwe. 

Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan & Sanju Samson

The middle-order selection would be the most difficult one. From the squad that played against West Indies, two big names are missing. With the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav not there, India would have to look for possible alternatives for the number 3 and number 4 positions with Sanju following them at 5. 

Well, technically India have 3 options to look at in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tripathi. In an ideal scenario, Ruturaj and Kishan are backup openers, but one or both will definitely feature in the playing 11. Of these three, Rahul Tripathi is better for the middle order. But as Kishan and Ruturaj were selected first, they deserve to play.

So, expect both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan to bat in a slightly unorthodox position in the middle order. Between, Ruturaj, Kishan, and Samson, Ruturaj should bat at 3, Ishan Kishan at 4, and Sanju Samson at 5, the role he played against West Indies too. There could also be a possibility to see Ruturaj at 3, Sanju at 4, and Kishan at 5. 

All-rounders: Deepak Hooda & Axar Patel

Another easy choice to select in the absence of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel did well as all-rounders against West Indies. You might have missed it, but Deepak Hooda had the lowest economy rate of 4.4 among all bowlers. Whereas Axar was the best all-rounder at the display. So, this should prompt Team India to continue with them for the Zimbabwe ODIs too. 

Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur & Kuldeep Yadav

Coming to the bowlers, the selection shall once again be tricky. India have plenty of good options to look at, but who gets selected would be an interesting take. From the available pool, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur are undoubtedly primary starters. They did well against West Indies, so deserve this opportunity first. 

For the spinner spot, India have two options in the form of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Among these two, Kuldeep Yadav seems to be the front runner being a more senior candidate. Also, Kuldeep has been a really good bowler in ODIs. With the Asia Cup approach, it would be a good match practice for him. 

Coming to the final pacer position, India have three options to look at. This includes Prasidh Krishna, Deepak Chahar, and Avesh Khan. Among these three, Deepak Chahar is more senior, but Prasidh Krishna has been more successful. Whereas Avesh is having the least experience. It’s a tough call, but Deepak Chahar could get a go being the senior most pacer. 

Zimbabwe vs India 2022: Best Predicted Playing 11 for ODI Series

Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (WK), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav & Mohammed Siraj.

So, that completes the best predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe. From the players mentioned above, 9-10 are confirmed starters. The only debate points would be the choice of second middle-order batter and third pacer. Would be interesting to see what strategy India adopt. 

Meanwhile, here’s the schedule for Zimbabwe vs India 2022 ODI Series:

• 1st ODI // August 18 // Harare
• 2nd ODI // August 20 // Harare
• 3rd ODI // August  22 // Harare

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

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