A youthful Indian cricket squad captained by skipper Shubman Gill, with coach VVS Laxman of the National Cricket Academy, has come here to play a five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe starting on July 6.
In a video that Zimbabwe Cricket uploaded on X, the players could be seen leaving the airport carrying their bags. After a break, Gill, who was a traveling reserve with the T20 World Cup team in the Americas, arrived here from New York. The complete group had left Mumbai on Tuesday.
“We welcome T20 World Cup champions India,” wrote Zimbabwe Cricket on Tuesday night in a post on ‘X’.
Young batsman Riyan Parag, who will play for India in the series, stated in a video released by the BCCI that he had always wanted to travel like this (with the national side).
“The feel of donning India jersey, travelling with the side is different. Coming from Assam, I had this dream of playing for India. Really happy. There will be a special connection for Zimbabwe when I play my first match.
“That will be a special moment for that ground and myself, which would be very sacred,” he said.
“After misplacing my passport, to phones, we are finally here after a 20 hour journey. Now, really looking forward to the tour,” Parag added.
The sensation of being in the national lineup is “slowly sinking in and it’s like a dream come true for me,” according to medium pacer Tushar Deshpande, another rookie. Being a national team player is a truly unique experience.
“Travelling with the team is the most important and getting to know them, knowing the atmosphere of the team and most important for me is the fun we have during travel,” added Deshpande.
Abhishek Sharma, a powerful left-hander, stated that his primary dream since beginning his cricket career was to represent his nation.
“I know if I continue working hard, I will get an opportunity but I didn’t know I will get it outside India in Zimbabwe.
“I got a call from (skipper) Shubman after my name was announced in the squad. Everyone has been giving me so much of affection. For me it was a very big thing,” added Sharma.
“When I reached home after my name had been announced, I saw my family members giving interviews. So, I think, that was one moment I will always remember,” he said.
On July 6, India will play their first game at the Harere Cricket Ground against Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza. The same location will host the final four games as well. The last day of the series is July 14.
Hurricane Beryl has left T20 World Cup traveling reserves Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as well as all-rounder Shivam Dube, stranded in Barbados instead of joining the Zimbabwean team.
Three players in the Indian squad for the first two games of the series were replaced on Tuesday by Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana.
On Thursday morning, the senior players—Samson, Jaiswal, and Dube—will take a charter airplane to arrive in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will subsequently congratulate the players in New Delhi.
Currently in Barbados are traveling reserves for the T20 World Cup, pacer Khaleel Ahmed and batter Rinku Singh.
Despite having both players in the Zimbabwe series team, the BCCI has not yet announced a replacement for the pair.
The post New-Look Team India, Led by Shubman Gill, Lands in Harare appeared first on Cricket Country.
