Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Tushar Deshpande Excited for First Team India Call-Up in Zimbabwe Tour
All-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag, along with pacer Tushar Deshpande, are thrilled about their first call-up to Team India for the T20I series in Zimbabwe, starting on July 6. The series will feature five matches, all held at Harare Sports Club, with the final game on July 14.
Abhishek Sharma’s Journey
Abhishek Sharma, who had a breakthrough IPL 2024 season with 484 runs in 16 games, shared that he received a congratulatory call from Punjab teammate and tour captain Shubman Gill. He expressed his pride and excitement about playing for India and traveling to Zimbabwe.
Riyan Parag’s Excitement
Riyan Parag, the third-highest run-getter in the IPL with 573 runs, humorously mentioned that he was so excited about playing for India that he misplaced his passport and phone. He spoke about his childhood dream of traveling and playing for India.
Tushar Deshpande’s Special Feeling
Tushar Deshpande shared that the feeling of traveling with Team India is slowly sinking in and emphasized the importance of bonding with the team during travels.
Team Announcements
The BCCI announced the addition of Sai Sudarshan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is due to travel delays caused by Hurricane Beryl.
India’s Squad for T20I Series against Zimbabwe
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (c) | Captain |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batsman |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Batsman |
| Sanju Samson (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Nitish Reddy | All-rounder |
| Riyan Parag | All-rounder |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler |
| Tushar Deshpande | Bowler |
Zimbabwe’s Squad for T20I Series against India
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sikandar Raza (c) | Captain |
| Akram Faraz | Batsman |
| Bennett Brian | Batsman |
| Campbell Johnathan | Batsman |
| Chatara Tendai | Bowler |
| Jongwe Luke | Bowler |
| Kaia Innocent | Batsman |
| Madande Clive | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Madhevere Wessly | All-rounder |
| Marumani Tadiwanashe | Batsman |
| Masakadza Wellington | Bowler |
| Mavuta Brandon | Bowler |
| Muzarabani Blessing | Bowler |
| Myers Dion | All-rounder |
| Naqvi Antum | Batsman |
| Ngarava Richard | Bowler |
| Shumba Milton | All-rounder |
