Zimbabwe vs India 2nd ODI: Focus on game time for KL Rahul as India seek series win

India would want to seal a 2-0 unbeatable lead when they take on Zimbabwe in the 2nd of a 3-match ODI series in Harare on Saturday, August 20 but the focus will be more on giving game time to their captain KL Rahul, who is looking to get back into rhythm in the lead-up to the Asia Cup 2022, starting August 27 in the UAE.

India gave Zimbabwe a reality check as the hosts were hammered by 10 wickets after they posted just 186 on the board in the first ODI on Thursday. Zimbabwe had headed into the series on the back of a T20I and an ODI series win over Bangladesh but the gulf in class between them and India was evident.

Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna and Axar Patel picked up 3 wickets each before Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill hit 81 and 82 not out, respectively as India won with 19.1 overs and 10 wickets to spare in the series opener.

India will look to put runs on the board if they win the toss despite the pitch and conditions offering help to the fast bowlers.It will be a good test for their bowlers who will get an opportunity to showcase their skills in hot and humid conditions in the afternoon.

Fit-again Deepak Chahar, who was playing his first competitive outing since the West Indies series before IPL 2022, found his rhythm, overcoming a shaky start in helpful conditions. Chahar picked up 3 wickets, swinging the ball both ways as he put his hands up amid a stiff race for T20 World Cup spots.

WILL RAHUL BAT HIGHER UP?

KL Rahul, who has been appointed vice-captain for Asia Cup despite not having played a T20I this year, would want to spend some time in the middle. The India captain has preferred No. 5 in ODIs but he is expected to bat higher up the order to regain some form ahead of the Asia Cup where India meet Pakistan in the opener in Dubai on August 28.

Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh had pointed out how India missed an opportunity to give KL Rahul an opportunity at the top as Dhawan and Gill made light work of a below-par target in the first ODI.

Notably, vice-captain Shikhar Dhawan had also said ahead of the series that the tour of Zimbabwe will be crucial to Rahul for regaining form.

On the other hand, India would also want their highly-rated batters Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda time in the middle with the bat in the rest of the series.

India made a winning start to the series and it means Rahul Tripathi, who earned a maiden ODI call-up, is likely to warm the benches more.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe would want a better batting show and prove a point that the win against Bangladesh was not just a bolt from the blue. In form Sikander Raza needs to step up and deliver for the hosts who will be looking to avoid India from running away with the series as early as Saturday.

ZIM vs IND, 2nd ODI SQUADS

India: KL Rahul (C), Shikhar Dhawan (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Shahbaz Ahmed.

Zimbabwe: Regis Chakabva (C), Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans , Luke Jongwe , Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano , Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, John Masara, Tony Munyonga , Richard Ngarava , Victor Nyauchi , Sikandar Raza , Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano.

Match Starts: 12:45pm IST. PTI SSC ATK KHS AT KHS KHS

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