India vs Zimbabwe 2022: Predicted ODI Squad List for Team India

Shikhar Dhawan to once again lead as we look at the strongest predicted squad list for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe. 

Update: The official squad has been announced. You can find the details in this article. 

Amidst a packed schedule, Team India have somehow managed to squeeze in a 3-match ODI series vs Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe tour begins on August 18 and will conclude on August 22; 4 days before Asia Cup 2022. As usual, the Zimbabwe tour shall see the Indian team management try out fresh players. The tour also gives an opportunity for the young guns to give their best.

Given that the Zimbabwe tour is scheduled just before the Asia Cup 2022, expect a lot of senior players who would generally be a part of the T20 squad to be rested. So, expect the likes of primary captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, etc. to be rested. 

Most probably, Team India shall select a similar squad that played the 3-match ODI series vs West Indies earlier this month; albeit with a few changes. Shikhar Dhawan should once again lead the squad in Rohit’s absence. So, let’s have a look at the strongest predicted ODI series squad for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe.

Predicted Team India Squad for Zimbabwe ODI Series 2022:

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill

The openers for the ODI series vs Zimbabwe should most probably be the same openers that played the West Indies ODI series. So, expect captain Shikhar Dhawan to lead the squad alongside Shubman Gill as the primary openers. Whereas Ruturaj Gaikwad shall continue being the backup opener in the squad.

Middle-order: Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson & Suryakumar Yadav

The middle-order should also see no changes vis-a-vis the team that was selected for West Indies ODIs. There are rumours floating around about Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, both being requested to play the ODI series. But honestly, it actually makes no sense for them to play this series. Asia Cup is an important tournament, and they need to be fresh for that cup. 

So, expect the likes of Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Suryakumar Yadav to be the core middle-order of the Indian team. Suryakumar Yadav could be rested too, but given his ODI form, he needs more game time. Of these four, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan shall be the first-choice wicket-keepers of the squad in the absence of Rishabh Pant. 

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda & Venkatesh Iyer

The all-rounder department shall see one major change from the squad that played against West Indies. Ravindra Jadeja could be rested as he was for the West Indies series. Given the conditions, In place of him, India would like to try pace all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer. He has had a decent outing for the Indian team, and deserves another go. Meanwhile, Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel shall be the primary all-rounders of the squad.   

Pacers: Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna & Shardul Thakur

Coming to the bowlers, India would once again select a combination of 5 pacers and 2 spinners. From the squad that played against the West Indies, expect only 1 change in the bowling line-up. Yuzvendra Chahal, who needs more rest for the Asia Cup, may skip the series. In place of him, Kuldeep Yadav will be a very good option. He will also complement Axar Patel in the spin department.

The rest of the pace attack should remain the same. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur shall lead the pace attack. Whereas Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh shall be the two backups for the Indian team. In addition, Mohammed Shami can also be selected as he is not in contention for T20Is anymore. If so, he should come in for Arshdeep Singh.  

India vs Zimbabwe 2022 – Strongest Predicted Squad Players List for Team India: 

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav

Wks: Ishan Kishan & Sanju Samson 

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda & Venkatesh Iyer

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna & Shardul Thakur

Coach: Rahul Dravid // Captain: Shikhar Dhawan

So, that’s the strongest predicted squad for Team India for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe. Overall, expect BCCI to select a 16-member squad as they had done for the West Indies. If they only select 15, Venkatesh Iyer could be left out. Hopefully, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul aren’t selected for this meaningless series with Asia Cup 2022 in sight.   

Meanwhile, here’s the schedule for Zimbabwe vs India 2022 ODI Series:

• 1st ODI // August 18 // Harare
• 2nd ODI // August 20 // Harare
• 3rd ODI // August  22 // Harare

Thanks for reading! What’s your take on the Team India squad for the 2022 ODI series vs Zimbabwe? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

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Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.