India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI, India Predicted XI: Should India Tinker With Winning Combination?

19.08.2022 - 17:05 sports.ndtv.com

The first ODI between India and Zimbabwe saw the former making it a one-sided affair on Thursday. After India's stand-in skipper KL Rahul won the toss, he opted to bowl first against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.

India bundled out Zimbabwe for 189 runs, thanks to Axar Patel (3 for 24), Deepak Chahar (3 for 27), Prasidh Krishna (3 for 50) and Mohammed Siraj (1 for 36).

In reply, Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill made mockery of Zimbabwe's total as they stitched an unbeaten 192-run stand for the first wicket to help India win the game with 115 balls to spare.

India and Zimbabwe will be facing each other next at the same venue on Saturday (August 20). While India will look to seal the three-match series with a win, the hosts will try to give a better challenge to the guests. Here is what we think could be India's playing XI in the second ODI vs Zimbabwe: Shikhar Dhawan: Though the southpaw scored his 81 runs off 113 balls, he made sure that he stayed at the crease to take India home comfortably.

cricket India Cricket Team Shikhar Dhawan Shubman Gill Zimbabwe India

Shikhar Dhawan is known for his hilarious videos on social media platform Instagram and there has been a brand new addition to it. The left-handed opening batter shared a video on the International Dog Day on August 26, where he can be seen having fun with his dog.

ICC ODI Rankings: Shubman Gill Jumps 45 places To 38th Position; Virat Kohli Remains Static In Fifth

Indian opener Shubman Gill has jumped a whopping 45 places to be ranked 38th in the ICC ODI rankings released on Wednesday. The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

ICC ODI Rankings: Shubman Gill jumps 45 places to 38th; Virat Kohli remains static at fifth

The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

"...Is the Biggest Positive": Axar Patel After Series Win vs Zimbabwe

It is a "little tough" to cool his heels after a couple of games but Axar Patel wants to put his best foot forward in his bid to use every opportunity that comes along his way. A like-for-like replacement of Ravindra Jadeja, the left-arm spinner and useful lower-middle-order batter is still not an India regular although he he has 50 plus wickets in ODIs since 2014. "It is a little tough when you play two matches and suddenly you've to sit out," Axar said at the post-match press conference after India's 13-run win over Zimbabwe in the third ODI.

Watch: Fan Asks Shikhar Dhawan For His "Shirt" During Zimbabwe ODI. Here's His Hilarious Reaction

Shikhar Dhawan is a fun character both on and off the cricket field. He often posts hilarious stuff on social media while his on-field antics are sometimes quite funny too. In the final ODI of the three-match series against Zimbabwe, where Dhawan is the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, a similar incident happened. In a video posted on social media, Dhawan could be seen wearing a jersey without his name at the back. Instead, at the place where the name of the player is usually printed, it was taped.

Watch: Shubman Gill's Stunning Catch Of Zimbabwe Centurion Sikandar Raza That Took India To Series Sweep

Shubman Gill could do no wrong on Monday. The 22-year-old opener smacked 130 off 97 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six, to help India reach 289/8 in 50 overs. It was the youngster's first international ton at the senior level. The breakthrough century for Gill came less than a month after he came agonisingly close, scoring an unbeaten 98 against the West Indies in Port of Spain. He shared a 140-run third-wicket partnership with Ishan Kishan, who reached his half-century before being run out by Tony Munyonga.