India vs Zimbabwe T20I Series 2024: Date, Time, Venue, Schedule, Live Streaming, Squads And More

A young Indian cricket team led by skipper Shubman Gill and with National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman as coach has arrived in Harare to play a five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe.

Following the high-profile retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, the series assumes more significance, as it will provide a peek into India's T20 future.

Hardik Pandya, who has been rested from the series, is expected to succeed Rohit as the T20I skipper and will be tracking the progress of the fringe players during his well-deserved break.

For the two opening slots that Rohit and Kohli have vacated, the options are plenty. As many as four openers are part of the India squad for the Zimbabwe tour -- Yashavsi Jaiswal, who was a part of the World Cup winning unit, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma.

In all likelihood, Gill and Gaikwad will open the batting in the first T20I in Harare. Jadeja's retirement will give injury-prone Washington Sundar more opportunities in the T20 setup.

The likes of youngsters Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma have been rewarded for their exploits in the last IPL with maiden India call-ups.

On the other side, Zimbabwe will be led by experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Aiming to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons after failing to qualify for the just-concluded T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe have picked a young squad.

The 38-year-old right-hander, who has 86 matches under his belt, is the team's most experienced player, followed by 29-year-old Luke Jongwe who has featured in 63 games.

The other seasoned campaigners in the side are pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, with 52 and 51 T20I appearances respectively.

Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie and Ainsley Ndlovu also failed to make the cut.

The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series will begin on Saturday, July 6 and conclude on Sunday, July 14. All the matches will start at 4:30 PM IST.

All matches of the IND vs ZIM T20I series will be played at the Harare Sports Club.

• India vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I: Saturday, July 6, Harare

• India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I: Sunday, July 7, Harare

• India vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I: Wednesday, July 10, Harare

• India vs Zimbabwe, 4th T20I: Saturday, July 13, Harare

• India vs Zimbabwe, 5th T20I: Sunday, July 14, Harare

The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network while the live streaming will be available on Sony LIV app and website.

India's squad for 1st & 2nd T20I: Shubman Gill (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (Wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (Wk), Harshit Rana.

Sikandar Raza (C), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.

(With PTI inputs)