Zimbabwe-Bound Team India Celebrates Independence Day. See Pic

15.08.2022 - 18:01 sports.ndtv.com

The Indian team celebrated Independence Day in Zimbabwe. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a picture of the players standing in front of the tricolour.

Notably, India are set to play a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting August 18 at the Harare Sports Club. While a fit-again KL Rahul will be leading the Indian team in the series, Shikhar Dhawan has been named his deputy for the matches.

On the other hand, VVS Laxman has been appointed as the acting head coach for the tour as the upcoming Asia Cup gives very less turnaround time. See Team India's picture from Independence Day celebration: #IndiaAt75 | #TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/W30cYSYvPG Team India will face Zimbabwe on the back of a 4-1 T20I series win over West Indies.

The KL Rahul-led side took to the ground in Zimbabwe for their first practice session on Monday. In the pictures shared by the BCCI on Twitter, players like Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad, were seen practicing on the ground.

cricket India Cricket Team Shikhar Dhawan Mohammed Siraj Kl Rahul Zimbabwe Uae county Day India Pakistan Harare county Independence

India were off to the worst possible start in their chase of the 148-run target against Pakistan in Dubai. 19-year-old Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah, playing his first T20 international, clean bowled India's vice-captain KL Rahul for a duck on the second delivery of the innings. It was a terrible start to the Asia Cup campaign for Rahul, who is returning to the T20I fold after a long break.

"He's Putting Pressure On Shikhar Dhawan": Scott Styris On India Youngster

Shubman Gill earned a recall to the Indian ODI side this year, and has taken his opportunities with both hands, winning the Player of the Series award against both West Indies and Zimbabwe. In the six matches he has played against the Windies and Zimbabwe, Gill scored three half-centuries and a century. He could have had another ton as well, but rain played spoilsport and left him stranded on 98 in the 3rd ODI against West Indies. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris said the 22-year-old has "a huge future in front of him" and that he is putting pressure on veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, with the World Cup set to be played in India next year.

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.

Watch: Shubman Gill's Epic Reaction After Reaching First International Ton In 3rd India vs Zimbabwe ODI

Shubman Gill finally ended a long wait for his first international ton when he reached the triple figure mark off just 82 balls against Zimbabwe in the third ODI in Harare on Monday. The talented opener, who will turn 23 next week, had scored seven 50-plus scores in the 11 Tests and eight ODIs since making his international debut in January, 2019. However, despite reaching the 90s on a couple of occasions the century eluded Gill. But, on Monday, Gill ensured that he gets to raise his bat for the first international ton.

'Will Play All 3 Formats': Saba Karim Names Player Who Can Be Future India Captain

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim believes that star players KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant could be the all-format captain for the country in future.

India and Zimbabwe 3rd ODI LIVE Score: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan Start For India vs Zimbabwe

India vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Live Score Updates: KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan have started the Indian innings against Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. Earlier, Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first. Deepak Chahar returned for the final game, while Avesh Khan also got included in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna make way for the duo. Guests India would aim for a series sweep, while the hosts Zimbabwe will try to register a consolation win. In the first two ODIs, Team India bowled first and bundled out the hosts for below par totals of 189 and 161. In the second ODI, KL Rahul disappointed as he departed after scoring just one run, and now he would hope to register a big score ahead of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday. (LIVE SCORECARD)